Strategy
Following what has been set forward in the HiLASE Centre vision and mission, we have defined four strategic areas for the next decade, which follow the direction we aspire to take in the coming years. At the same time, they are our way of addressing the current dynamic development of technology and considering the areas of laser technology applications that show the most promise for the near future. Detailed plans for our long-term development can be found in the HiLASE Centre house strategy.
Since we focus on laser technology use across many fields in the real world, these strategic areas also cover a wide range of applications – from compact radiation sources to far space exploration.
However, these areas are not isolated, and collaboration is key to us – not only between individual strategic areas but also with other research institutions and industry partners.
Advanced laser processing and manufacturing technologies
When we put together laser technologies and advanced sensorics, feedback control and machine learning, we reach several breakthrough methods of laser processing. Specifically, we are talking about Laser Shock Peening (LSP), Laser Micromachining (LMM), and Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) measurement. Their use creates functional surfaces, increases the lifespan of products, or improves the safety of critical components.
Space-borne laser technologies
A part of our vision is the application of laser technologies both on Earth and beyond, which is where we are headed within this area. Possible uses in this field include communication, metal and mineral mining on celestial bodies, propagation of spaceships, and more. At the HiLASE Centre, we are, for example, collaborating on the TROLL project, within which we are developing a compact laser to be sent on a testing mission to the orbit.
Smart & Safe Solutions for laser systems and applications
This area includes a wide range of solutions, which will make the laser applications in development at the HiLASE Centre safer and smarter. They include, for example, real-time control, artificial intelligence elements, automatic active alignment and stabilisation of the laser beam, laser safety, and more. The result is not only an improvement in safety, but also better effectivity of lasers and associated devices.
Laser technologies for compact particle and radiation sources
This area is focused on the optimalisation of high-power laser sources. This includes, for example, adaptive and non-linear optics, predictive thermo-optical modelling, laser pulse shaping, laser drivers for EUV and mid-IR sources, etc.
