IP2 “ICF Related Laser and Plasma Sources and Technology”, Prague July 13-23, 2026

 

The LaserFusion consortium announces its fifth specialized training event: a 10-day intensive programme on “Inertial Confinement Fusion Related Laser and Plasma Sources and Technology.” Hosted by the ELI Beamlines Facility in the Czech Republic, from 13 to 23 July 2026. 

The event will consist of a comprehensive training course for postgraduate students (MSc, PhD, and senior BSc) with a focus on the physics and technology of high-power laser drivers for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE). It will include lectures and seminars on theoretical principles and engineering of high-power laser systems, their beam properties, and the challenges of transporting and delivering laser energy to fusion targets. Participants will also engage in hands-on practical sessions, facility tours, and interactive activities in a world-leading laser research environment.

More specifically, the programme will focus on:

  • Laser requirements for inertial fusion

  • High-energy lasers – components of a fusion laser system

  • High-power high repetition rate lasers and diode pumping

  • Laser beam handling and delivery to experimental stations

  • Broadband lasers and smoothing techniques

  • Optics damage and coatings

  • Spatial and temporal properties of laser beams and their manipulation

  • Chirped pulse amplification (CPA / OPCPA)

  • Electromagnetic pulses and vacuum technology

  • Target technology (two-photon polymerization printing, cryogenic and liquid targets)

Hands-on and other activities will include:

  • Fourier optics and its applications in high power lasers

  • Laboratory challenge

  • Laser focusing

  • ELI facility tour

  • VR exploration of laser systems and experimental stations

  • Training in user application writing

  • Student poster session

Introductory sessions on laser safety and radiation safety at high power laser facilities will also be provided.

The programme focuses on the high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems and associated plasma technologies required to drive inertial fusion reactions. Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, it forms part of the consortium’s objective to develop a skilled European research community in this field.

The school is designed for postgraduate students (MSc and PhD candidates) from the LaserFusion partner institutions. It is suited for young researchers in physics and engineering who require specialized knowledge of laser and plasma sources central to fusion energy research.

A limited number of participants from the eight partner Universities/Institutions of the consortium will be selected to attend the school. Please contact the key person of the respective partner.

Practical Information 

  • Accommodation booking deadline: 31 May 2026

  • Accommodation contact: Romana Kočová (romana.kocova@eli-beams.eu)

The flyer of the school can be found here 

More information for the school at: https://indico.eli-laser.eu/event/246/