Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy
Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy

European Network of Laser Research Institutes successful in Horizon 2020

LASERLAB-EUROPE, the network of major European laser research facilities, can successfully look forward to a new phase of cooperation from 2015 to 2019. In one of the first calls for proposals under the EU Horizon 2020 program, the consortium was successful despite fierce competition and raised € 10 million in funding.

Lasers are important tools in many future technologies, medicine and research. In the field of state-of-the-art laser technology and photonics, there have recently been groundbreaking technological developments that have opened up new fields of application time and again. Laser technology is a major driver of innovation in a wide variety of applications and products in many areas of a modern society, thus contributing significantly to economic growth.

For example, in an aging population there is a greater need for health care. Photonics-based screening and medical imaging technologies strengthen the prevention and early detection of disease. In this context, LASERLAB-EUROPE will develop new methods and tools for advanced microscopy and biomedical devices, novel medical therapies and biosensors, and apply the emerging laser-driven particle beam techniques in radiotherapy.

High repetition rate Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplifier (OPCPA) system in MBI. Photo: MBI
High repetition rate Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplifier (OPCPA) system in MBI. Photo: MBI

"The project partners operate laser research and applications of the highest caliber in almost all areas of science and technology, with special emphasis on areas of high industrial and social importance, such as Bio- and nanophotonics, materials science, biology and medicine. Through our strategic approach, LASERLAB-EUROPE will strengthen Europe's leading position and competitiveness in these key areas, "says Prof. Claes-Göran Wahlström of the Lund Laser Center in Sweden, who coordinates the LASERLAB-EUROPE project.

In the next four years from December 2015, LASERLAB-EUROPE will bring together 33 of the leading European laser research institutes and coordinate activities in 21 countries with other associated partners. The members provide access to major complementary laser facilities in Europe whose achievements are in the international forefront of laser technology, including two Free Electron Lasers (FELs). Visiting scientists from industry and academia can conduct cutting-edge research in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

The Max Born Institute is involved in several research topics at LASERLAB-EUROPE, opens its application laboratories for visiting scientists and is responsible for all administrative project management.

Contact

Prof. Claes-Göran Wahlström
Lund Laser Centre, Lunds Universitet
P. O. Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
www.laserlab-europe.eu

Daniela Stozno, MBI

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