The Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic acts as the coordinator of the ELI Project in the Czech Republic. The Institute has applied for a structural funds grant from the Operational Program Research and Development for Innovation.

The Czech Republic’s international reputation in laser science along with its extensive history of laser research is the country’s source of pride.  Over many years the Institute of Physics’ scientists have been working with their colleagues worldwide on joint scientific projects; their status as the world-renowned expertsin laser technologies and laser plasma is well recognized.

The PALS Laboratory (Prague Asterix Laser System) has been a successful joint endeavor operated by the Institute of Physics and the Plasma Physics Institute since 2000. The Laboratory is classified as both a European and national project, and its laser beam time is available to domestic and foreign researchers.

Other significant projects of the Institute of Physics include the Projects HiLASE and HiPER. HiLASE Project is planned to be implemented in the Czech Republic, and will focus on the technological development of the new generation of high-repetition (10 Hz – kHz) high-power lasers and their applications. The lasers developed during the international cooperation will become the backbone of the unique facility focused on both the fundamental research and the development of new industrial technologies, and will serve as prototypes for the other large scientific projects in Europe.

Czech Republic is one of the major players participating in the British HiPER Inertial Fusion Project.  The HiPER Project aims to conceptually and technologically demonstrate the feasibility of laser driven inertial fusion as an energy source.  While the Czech Republic significantly contributes to both the scientific and financial aspects of this project, it does not intend to become the host country for the HiPER Facility. Nevertheless, the scientists from the X-ray Laser Department at the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic have played an active part in the HiPER research.

Useful links:
Website of the Institute of Physics AS CR
Website of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic