By 1991, laser research for the military had already topped $10 million at OSU, which expected to reap about $2 million annually for ongoing research that could help U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf.

The military applies the research in its guided missiles and night-flying helicopters, as well as tank guidance systems.

However, the director of laser research at OSU at the time, Richard Powell (pictured), also emphasized that such research is applied to meet many medical and business needs and most of the research on campus is still directed toward civilian programs.