Next Generation Lasers for Pioneering Research: Amplitude Laser Group and HZDR Establish Joint Research Laboratory

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the Amplitude Laser Group are taking their 18-year collaboration to the next level by launching a joint research laboratory in Dresden. This partnership aims to advance laser technology, focusing on high-energy and high-repetition rate systems to support cutting-edge applications in electron and proton acceleration.

Building on Proven Success

Since the installation of the titanium:sapphire laser system DRACO in 2007, Amplitude and HZDR have worked closely to make DRACO one of the world’s leading two-beam facilities for relativistic laser plasma physics. Their new lab will focus on improving laser diagnostics, components, and applications, targeting innovations such as advanced secondary radiation sources and technologies for high-dose rate radiobiology in cancer research and inertial fusion energy.

Strengthening Franco-German Collaboration

The collaboration will see Amplitude dedicating R&D resources from its headquarters in Lisses, France, to Dresden, alongside establishing a local team and funding PhD positions at HZDR. This effort underscores Amplitude’s commitment to fostering sustainable innovation in the region.

Damien Buet, CEO of Amplitude Laser Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “Our long-term collaboration with HZDR has laid the foundation for this exciting new chapter. The joint lab will drive innovation, pushing high-power laser technology to new heights and shaping a brighter future.”

Hi-Acts: Accelerating innovation, together

This milestone collaboration is supported by Hi-Acts, the Helmholtz Innovation Platform for Accelerator-based Technologies and Solutions. Hi-Acts aims to make accelerator technologies more accessible to industry and medicine by fostering partnerships between science and business. With this new joint lab, Hi-Acts strengthens its European network and Franco-German relations, while opening doors to funding programs that promote pioneering deep-tech solutions.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt, Scientific Director at HZDR, highlighted: “Thanks to Hi-Acts, we can establish strong collaborations with industry leaders like the Amplitude Laser Group. Our new joint lab will provide many opportunities to transfer research directly into applications.”

A Clear Path to Progress

The lab will be guided by a Steering Board, led by Prof. Ulrich Schramm (HZDR) and Dr. Pierre-Mary Paul (Amplitude), with day-to-day operations managed by Stefan Bock (HZDR) and Émilien Gontier (Amplitude). Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schramm emphasized: “Advanced laser metrology and precise feedback to the laser chain are essential for future breakthroughs in laser plasma accelerator research.”

Dr. Pierre-Mary Paul added: “Advancing next-generation laser technologies allows us to push the boundaries of scientific research and lay the groundwork for scalable industrial solutions.”