Jeonnam Province Launches Project to Establish 'Ultra-Powerful Laser Center'

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[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province has officially launched a project to establish an ultra-high-power laser center for the promotion of national advanced science and technology and industry.

On the 4th, Jeonnam Province announced that it held a feasibility analysis service commencement briefing for the establishment of the ultra-high-power laser center, attended by Naju City, Korea Energy Engineering University, GIST, laser-related research institutions, and experts.

The ultra-high-power laser center is a large-scale research facility designed to induce technological advancement in basic science and related industries through ultra-high power (100PW, P=10^15) and high energy (20kJ, k=10^3) laser research.

It is being promoted as part of the establishment of a national large-scale research facility near Korea Energy Engineering University.

Laser technology is utilized in various fields including basic science, semiconductor, optical device, nano-component ultra-fine processing, space and aerospace metal development, laser weapons, and medical technology equipment development. The market for laser technology is also vast.

Although domestic industries are striving for the localization of laser technology, unfortunately, most technologies and equipment rely on imports. This is why national-level research and development investment in laser technology is necessary.

The ultra-high-power laser center is an essential national facility for fostering advanced science and technology and industry. It is expected to nurture future new industries such as offshore wind power and future power in conjunction with next-generation energy research through collaboration with Korea Energy Engineering University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.

Additionally, amid the continuous increase in energy demand, it will play a key role in developing future clean energy sources, laying the foundation for Jeonnam Province to transform into a mecca of the energy industry.

With national large-scale research facilities such as accelerators concentrated in the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions and none in the Honam region, the ultra-high-power laser center is also expected to contribute to achieving national balanced development.

Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok said, “The ultra-high-power laser center will contribute to fostering laser science and technology and related high value-added industries, embodying the wishes of Jeonnam residents who desire the expansion of the scientific and technological base.” He added, “Together with energy companies such as KEPCO and Korea Energy Engineering University, we will build an industry-academia-research energy cluster to lead the era of energy transition.”

The province plans to promptly produce the service results reflecting the opinions of the scientific community and experts and consult with relevant ministries to include the project in next year’s national budget.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.