Portable Power Systems was started in 1993 by Rick Podgornik, an Engineer at McDonnell Douglas Laser and Electronics Systems Company. Rick has been in research and development for 35 years working with lasers and laser diode drivers. He holds several patents such as the first hand-held semiconductor laser for Medical applications and an Optical safe and arm for Military Applications. He has co-authored a paper titled "Injection Locking of a Multi-Mode Laser Diode Bar with a Single-Mode Laser." Rick worked under Dr. Robert Rice, who led his department in such programs as the "Pilot" program dealing with beam steering of phased laser diode arrays under the "Star Wars" program. He has worked with lasers in the Illumination, communication, pyrotechnic, weaponry, and medical, including dental, areas.