On 16–17 October 2025, the HiLASE Centre (Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences) delivered a specialised training course on high-power lasers for industrial applications. The event brought together master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers and laser specialists for two intensive days of learning, laboratory demonstrations and hands-on experiments. The training was held within the framework of the Horizon Europe projects Lasers4EU and 360Carla.
The programme introduced participants to solid-state, diode-pumped laser technologies, with a particular focus on the operating principles of thin-disc lasers and cryogenically cooled multi-slab lasers. Participants also explored key industrial processes and testing methods, including Laser Shock Peening (LSP), Laser Micromachining (LMM) and Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing.
To support real-world application in industrial R&D, the training included an overview of essential characterisation tools such as confocal microscopy, SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, alongside dedicated sessions on laser safety and risk assessment.
The training welcomed nine participants from universities and research centres, selected through a transparent application process and committee-based scoring. Feedback from attendees highlighted strong interest in further learning opportunities, particularly in simulation and modelling of laser systems, as well as more advanced training in laser construction and design.
Beyond technical knowledge, the event strengthened professional connections and opened pathways for future collaboration, with participants expressing interest in internships, joining ongoing projects, and exploring new opportunities in advanced laser processing and materials testing.
The training was very useful to me, even being surrounded by ultrafast laser for a decade, for enhancing my knowledge on LIDT and laser materials processing by high power lasers.
I found both the courses and the lab tours very exciting. The laser technology and the lab rooms that are available at HILASE are very modern and getting them introduced like this was highly educative. It is an innovative place where cutting-edge laser development meets its application-oriented R&D.
The ‘High-Power Lasers for Industrial Applications’ training proved to be a good learning opportunity for me. The presentations had a lot of useful information, delievered in an easy to follow way. I especially enjoyed the lab tours, which complemented the presentations well. Seeing the work done in the lab certainly gives us better understanding than simply reading or hearing about it.
The training on high-power lasers for industrial applications provided by Lasers4EU, 360 Carla, and HiLASE at HiLASE was very helpful. The training on laser safety principles was useful to maintain the safety procedures and to prevent possible dangerous injuries that it may cause. It also helped enrich my knowledge of different laser processing methods, such as laser micromachining and LIDT, in addition to the LSP process. The practical experiments provided alongside the theory classes helped clear doubts and gain hands-on experience. It also provided an opportunity to expand networks and collaborate. I will definitely attend such training if the opportunity arises.