Kochi, Nov 6 (IANS): The Toc-H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) here has developed an affordable laser device to be used in oncology, ophthalmology and other industrial applications.

TIST is a popular engineering college and it has taken the institute three years of research and development in laser technology to come up with this device with the support of the Union Department of Science and Technology (DST),

According to TIST founder director K. Varghese, the institution had developed the device indigenously at a time when the country was heavily dependent on imports. Except for the diamond industry in Gujarat, this laser device is not manufactured commercially in India.

"We are taking steps for the commercial launch of the device which has immense utility in the rapidly expanding medical and other industrial research in the country," he said.

"This is extensively used in ophthalmology and oncology. In cosmetic medicine, it is used for laser hair removal and for the treatment of minor vascular defects such as spider veins on the face and legs. In dentistry, these lasers are used for soft tissue surgeries in the oral cavity. It is also used in the automotive industry and in manufacturing for engraving, etching, or marking a variety of metals and plastics and by the military as laser range finders," said S.K.S. Nair, TIST professor.

The project cost TIST Rs.55 lakhs of which DST provided Rs.49 lakhs.