Today the state of high-power laser science is at a dynamic and exciting time with new petawatt (that’s 1,000,000,000,000,000 watts) laser systems coming online in Europe and in the US. High-power lasers are pivotal in exploring fundamental physics phenomena. Notably, in December 2022, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a significant milestone by attaining scientific breakeven in inertial confinement nuclear fusion, releasing more energy than the input laser energy.

The UK boasts a strong history and continued focus on high-power laser science, with facilities like the Central Laser Facility (CLF) and the Orion laser facility. Queen's University Belfast have developed expertise in high power laser physics since the 1970's and continues to be at the leading edge of UK laser research. 

In March, the Centre for Light Matter Interactions (CLMI) at Queen’s University Belfast hosted the annual training weeks on high-power laser (HPL) experiments on behalf of the Central Laser Facility (CLF). The training weeks provided an unparalleled opportunity for new-start PhD students from leading institutions across the UK, including the University of York, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the University of Liverpool and the University of Strathclyde, to gain hands-on experience in high-power laser science.

Working alongside PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, students engaged in intensive, practical training on the TARANIS laser system - a versatile, high-intensity, terawatt laser - housed within CLMI. This event marked the first time the training programme had ever taken place outside of the CLF, signalling a major milestone for the TARANIS laser facility and its role in cutting-edge research and education. Students benefitted from direct access to state-of-the-art technology and expert mentorship, equipping them with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to advance in their fields.

“This initiative has provided an exceptional learning experience for early PhD researchers, allowing them to develop critical expertise in high-power laser science, and of course learning that no experiment goes exactly as planned!" said Dr. Colm Fitzpatrick who co-organised the course along with the CLF. “Hosting the training weeks at Queen’s showcases our commitment to advancing scientific discovery while fostering collaboration with institutions across the UK.”

Dr. Chris Baird who co-organised on behalf of the CLF said “We’re grateful to the staff and students at Queen’s University for hosting the CLF Training Weeks, which provides hands-on training for early career researchers in high-intensity laser-plasma science. Efforts like this help to build the next generation of scientists and also reflect the strong partnerships that underpin world-class scientific research.”

The training weeks was a resounding success, reinforcing the TARANIS laser facility not only as a hub of research excellence but also as a key platform for training the next generation of high-power laser scientists and high-energy density physicists.