The Central Laser Facility (Harwell, UK) is building and commissioning a new national facility, the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC), due to start operations in 2027. Designed to bring together world-leading interdisciplinary expertise to develop novel, laser-based accelerators and particle sources, the centre’s unique capabilities will enable advances not only in high-power, short-pulse lasers and their supporting infrastructure but also in the applications that benefit from such technology.

Once operations commence, EPAC will open new areas of science for exploration from engineering and manufacturing to medicine and materials. Join us for an interactive session exploring the technological advancements and challenges, supply chain opportunities and exciting scientific possibilities and share your thoughts on future developments.


Introduction to EPAC and applications of extreme photonics

Tom Butcher Head, The Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications, Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (United Kingdom)

Panel discussion on laser-driven accelerators: technological challenges and opportunities

Moderator

Ric Allott Director of Business Development and Incubation STFC (United Kingdom)

Panelists

John Lincoln Chief Executive Photonics Leadership Group (United Kingdom)

Bjorn Manuel Hegelich CEO and Founder, Tau Systems (United States) Professor, University of Texas (United States)

Chris Bridle Large Optic Product and Sales Manager Manx Precision Optics (United Kingdom)

Tom Butcher Head, The Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications, Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (United Kingdom)

 

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Event Details

FORMAT: Oral presentation followed by a panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.
MENU: Coffee, decaf, and tea will be available nearby.
SETUP: Theater style seating.