Researchers at the Center for Laser Applications at the University of Tennessee Space Institute in Tullahoma have developed a technology that goes on a "seek and destroy" mission for cancerous tumors.

ENGADGET: Researchers develop femtosecond laser that can diagnose, blast cancerous tumors

This gives the quantum cascade laser an edge for applications outside the laboratory.

ECONOMIST: Lasers

The group is also looking into medical applications: the laser might, for example, help to detect in a patient's breath molecules characteristic of ulcer formation.

ECONOMIST: Lasers

Homeland security sales currently account for 48% of revenue, while medical imaging and monitoring bring in 24%, and other applications like photo sensors for industry and laser systems for the military account for 28% of business.

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