Irvine, Calif.-based Premier Laser Systems Inc. has furloughed two-thirds of its work force to address short-term liquidity problems. The company has placed 54 of its 80 employees on temporary unpaid leave.

Premier manufactures lasers and fiber optic delivery systems for eye care, dental and surgical applications. The company recently received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration to market its BluLaze tooth-whitening system and Aurora HL soft-tissue dental hygiene diode laser. The company also had signed a distribution agreement with Becker-Parkin Dental Equipment & Supply Co. of New York.