IRVINE, Calif., Mar. 2 -- Premier Laser Systems Inc. has placed all but nine of its employees on temporary unpaid leave in what the company described as a move to address short-term liquidity issues. Michael J. Quinn, president and CEO of Premier Laser, said, We regret having to take this step once again, but in order to preserve the company's cash in the near term, we believe it is the best interest of Premier to take this action at this time. Premier Laser develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic and therapeutic products including lasers, fiber optic delivery systems and associated products for a variety of applications in the eyecare, dentistry and surgical markets.