The facility originated in 1950 as Defence Science Laboratory (DSL), whose primary mission was to conduct research in frontier areas of physics, chemistry, and mathematics with a special focus on lasers and opto-electronics. In 1982, it was renamed the Defence Science Centre, conducting work in areas of "physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, electronics, ballistics, explosives, physiology, food technology, and information science." As of 2002, the facility is headed by Shri K.S. Jindal.

According to its website, the Laser Science and Technology Centre is involved in the following areas of work:

• Development of laser sources, laser components, and laser sub-systems
• Ultra purification and trace analysis of special materials, crystal growth, and characterization
• R&D in opto-electronics, cryogenics, and special polymers
• Study of wave propagation in the atmosphere and underwater
• Liaison with other establishments of DRDO to conduct special training courses
• Development of high power CO2GDL System
• Development of chemical lasers
• Development of adaptive optical techniques and other beam-delivery systems
• Development of engineered version of Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) for missile and aircraft applications
• Development of integrated optic components and devices
• Development of diode laser-pumped Nd:YAG Laser
• Feasibility of Development of Optical Phase Conjugation (OPC) technique
• Development of high-efficiency laser crystals and materials
• Development of slab laser based on in-house developed Nd:KBAP slab capable of delivering energies up to a few Joules
• Development of Alexandrite laser capable of delivering multi-Joule energies

Sources:
[1] "Kalam for Development of Laser Systems to Neutralize Nukes," http://cndyorks.gn.apc.org;
[2] Laser Science & Technology Centre, www.drdo.org.