TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Method: The cutting step involves: cutting the foam from the top, down to the surface of the liquid; cutting the foam at an angle, down to the surface of the liquid; cutting the foam into several portions; cutting the foam in a predetermined cutting pattern (preferably spiral cutting pattern, raster cutting pattern, petal cutting pattern, rectangular cutting pattern, circular cutting pattern or toggled cutting pattern). In (M1), the foam is generated by agitation, fluid flow currents or chemical reaction. The foam is generated in a relatively stagnant area of the surface of the liquid; or is dissipated in a relatively agitated area of the surface of the liquid. The cutting the foam occurs at a corner and/or at at least one side of the tank. The surface of the liquid emits vapor or steam. The method (M2) further involves: providing optics within the housing; providing computer to control said beam; providing an antenna to allow remote control of the computer; providing a positive pressure purge through the housing to reduce or eliminate optics contamination. Preferred Components: The source of electromagnetic radiation includes laser. The laser comprises a carbon dioxide laser. The liquid comprises water; an aqueous solution; non-aqueous solution. The tank contains organic matter in contact with the liquid; at least one inlet through which the liquid enters the tank; at least one outlet through which the liquid exits the tank. In (M2), the electromagnetic radiation is provided by a laser; and the laser is within the housing; the purging fluid comprises cooled air. The tank has fluid flow dynamics, which cause foam generated by the liquid to form a patch of foam which increases in size so as to propagate foam in a layer on a surface of the liquid towards a perimeter of the tank. In (M2), the electromagnetic radiation cuts the foam into at least two portions prior to the propagating layer reaching the entire perimeter of the tank, such that currents within the liquid dissipate at least one of the portions of foam. In (M2), and apparatus, the foam is generated by fluid flow currents within the liquid or chemical reaction within the tank. In (M2), and apparatus, the tank is provided in an atmosphere which has a dew point the same or higher than a temperature along the portion of the beam path. The dew point is less than a temperature along the portion of the beam path. The reducing dew point step involves: reducing humidity; reducing temperature. The dew point is reduced along a predetermined portion of the beam path and the dew point is less than a temperature along at least the predetermined portion of the beam path; less than an ambient temperature in which the tank is provided. The temperature is a laser temperature. The ambient temperature is a plant temperature and the tank and the housing are provided in the plant. In the apparatus, the source of electromagnetic radiation comprises a laser; the purging fluid comprises cooled air; the source of purging fluid comprises a heat exchanger, fan or at least one vortex type air cooler and further comprises at least one coanda effect air amplifier, source of compressed air to power the source of purging fluid; tank has fluid flow dynamics which cause foam generated by the liquid to form a patch of foam which increases in size so as to propagate foam in a layer on a surface of the liquid towards a perimeter of the tank. The laser is within the housing. The beam cuts the foam into at least two portions prior to the propagating layer reaching substantially the entire perimeter of the tank, such that currents within the liquid dissipate at least one of the portions of foam or exits out of at least one opening in the housing. In the apparatus, purging fluid exits out of at least one of openings in the housing. In the apparatus, a positive pressure purge is provided through the housing to reduce or eliminate optics contamination.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises optics within the housing; computer to control the beam; antenna to allow remote control of the computer; a personal digital assistant or other hand held wireless device to communicate with the computer; galvanometer or motor to direct the beam; a touch screen control panel. The housing is washable and comprises stainless steel. The housing is configured to be mounted above the tank.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The organic matter comprises an agricultural product. The agricultural product comprises potatoes. ACTIVITY - None given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.