You may have seen lasers in many movies melting metals or huge vehicles, but have you ever heard of a laser than can refrigerate water? Researchers from the University of Washington claimed they have invented an infrared laser that can be used to cool things down.

Earlier, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a new study which showed that the University of Washington researchers developed a laser that can cool water by approximately 20 degrees Celsius, or 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The researchers said the new research will a huge breakthrough in the arena of infrared lasers.

Peter Pauzauskie, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at UW and senior author of the study, said many big screen movies have showed lasers heating things up. The new research is the first to introduce a laser beam that can cool things in everyday conditions.

According to Pauzauskie, he and other researchers opted infrared light to develop cooling laser because they wanted to make something that could have biological applications. The motive of the research wasn’t to make a cooling laser for future freeze weapons, Pauzauskie added.

“The infrared laser could refrigerate saline solution and cell culture media that are commonly used in genetic and molecular studies”, as per the researchers. To develop the laser, the researchers ran reverse laser phenomenon.

The UW researchers believe the research could be beneficial for microprocessor industry. Developers of devices like computer, smartphone and tablets could use the new laser to point cool small areas.