What is needed to get lazer weapons?

Iv researched everything i could and I can only make a laser pistol that does not work.

If you can make a laser weapon, you should be able to make everything. They're all unlocked at the same time. You also need to manufacture laser cells for them to use as ammo.

Well, there is an item you can make prior to lazer weapons that looks like a lazer pistol, but has no description and does not seem to be useable. He could be referring to that.