Powering the Foundations: PTI Lasers and the Early Days of AI Research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably the buzzword dominating tech headlines today. From autonomous driving to sophisticated data analysis, AI and machine learning are reshaping industries. But long before the current wave of AI captured the public imagination, pioneering research was laying the groundwork, and Power Technology, Inc. (PTI) was there, providing the critical laser technology to make it happen.

While AI might seem like a recent phenomenon, PTI’s involvement in research utilizing neural networks—a cornerstone of modern AI—dates back nearly three decades. We recently uncovered fascinating research papers from 1997 that showcase how our lasers were integral to groundbreaking studies pushing the boundaries of detection and recognition technologies.

Illuminating Neural Networks: Early Examples

Two distinct research projects from 1997 highlight PTI’s contribution:

Hazardous Fiber Detection

A study published in Applied Optics detailed an instrument designed for real-time detection of hazardous airborne fibers like asbestos. This system used spatial light scattering, capturing how light scattered off individual particles. Critically, it employed a PTI 100 mW, 670 nm diode laser to illuminate the particles. The complex scattering patterns were then processed by an artificial neural network trained to classify particles and identify specific fiber types, offering potential for rapid environmental safety monitoring.

3D Object Recognition

Concurrently, research presented at the ’97 Workshop on Spent Fuel Management Technology explored 3D object recognition using structured light. This system used a PTI 16 mW, 685 nm semiconductor laser combined with cylindrical lenses to project a laser line onto objects. A CCD camera captured the line’s image, and neural networks were trained to interpret this image, estimating an object’s 3D parameters—size, position, and orientation—without needing complex camera calibration.

A Legacy of Enabling Innovation

These examples from nearly 30 years ago demonstrate that PTI wasn’t just a component supplier; our lasers were enabling tools at the forefront of research that blended photonics with early AI concepts like neural networks. The challenges then—accurately detecting microscopic fibers or determining an object’s place in 3D space using light and intelligent algorithms—mirror the fundamental goals driving many AI applications today.

PTI: Still Lighting the Way Forward

The landscape of AI and photonics has evolved dramatically since 1997, but PTI’s commitment to providing high-quality, reliable laser solutions remains steadfast. We continue to be a beacon of laser excellence, powering innovation across diverse fields, from industrial manufacturing and defense to cutting-edge scientific research that builds upon the very foundations we helped illuminate decades ago.

So, while AI is the current talk of the town, remember that the journey began much earlier. Power Technology, Inc. is proud of its legacy in enabling foundational research and remains dedicated to powering the next generation of technological breakthroughs.