Project partner: Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. Total budget: 7 million Eur. Laser RI in 2020 is joining the international RI ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure).
This RI project is an integral part of the EU research infrastructure policy and will further promote top-level research in the field of lasers and their applications. This RI is crucial for the Smart specialization priority - Photonic and Laser technologies and training of high-technology specialists that would guarantee further development of innovative products in rapidly growing Lithuanian laser segment.
In must be noted that LASER RI represented by VU Laser Research Center is a member of Integrated European research infrastructure LASERLAB-EUROPE AISBL. It is the European RI of major national laser research infrastructures, covering advanced laser science and applications in most domains of research and technology, with particular emphasis on areas with high industrial and social impact, such as bio- and nanophotonics, material analyses, biology and medicine. Recently the field of advanced lasers has experienced remarkable advances and breakthroughs in laser technologies and novel applications. Laser technology is a key innovation driver for highly varied applications and products in many areas of modern society, thereby substantially contributing to economic growth. Through its strategic approach, LASERLAB-EUROPE aims to strengthen Europe’s leading position and competitiveness in this key area. It facilitates the coordination of laser research activities within the European Research Area by integrating major facilities in most European member states with a long-term perspective and providing concerted and efficient services to researchers in science and industry. Participation in LASERLAB-EUROPE means international recognition of the distinctive features and capabilities of the national RI involved in laser science and applications.
Laser RI put together the skills and world known experience in research topics such as the generation of ultrashort pulses in a broad spectral range and their applications to nonlinear interactions between light and matter, applications of high intensity lasers, nonlinear optics, and ultrafast process research, as well as laser nano- and micro- fabrication technologies and optics characterization. These are important for top-level fundamental and applied research.