TRW, already a top Defense Department directed-energy technology developer, announced today it has purchased solid-state laser designer and manufacturer Cutting Edge Optronics Inc. In a statement, TRW said the acquisition of the St. Louis, MO-based company is a "strategic initiative to become a leading, high-volume supplier of solid-state laser products." TRW paid $19 million in cash and assumed approximately $5 million in debt to acquire Cutting Edge. TRW is the prime contractor for the Army's Tactical High Energy Laser system...