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Amoco Laser

Amoco Laser Company, a subsidiary of Amoco Corporation, has developed microlasers for the commercial market based on a JPL concept for optical communications over interplanetary distances. Lasers emit narrow, intense beams of light or other radiation. The beams transmit communication signals, drill, cut or melt materials or remove diseased body tissue. The microlasers cover a broad portion of the spectrum, and performance is improved significantly. The precise signal capabilities of these instruments make them a valuable tool in communication improvement for future NASA deep space missions. Their compact size, efficiency and durability also make laser technology attractive for future space interferometers - a new breed of telescopes on NASA drawing boards. Laser-based optical communications are a major factor fueling the rapid expansion of technology in the computer-based communication arena, and elsewhere in the commercial market.

Current applications include medical instrumentation, color separation equipment, telecommunications, etc.