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We offer access to state of the art laser technologies and expertise to enable scientists and engineers to address a range of scientific areas. Access to the CLF for academics is available via a peer review process and we also offer a range of services for industry and other partners.

Why the CLF?

A global leader in laser science, the Central Laser Facility is supporting scientists from academia and industry to advance our fundamental understanding and tackle pressing societal challenges impacting health, security, energy and climate change.

Read more about the CLF

Academic access

Industry access

Our laser facilities

Artemis

Call for access is currently closed

Artemis is the CLF’s facility for ultrafast science, using extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulses produced through high-harmonic generation for time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, photoemission, transient absorption and ptychographic imaging.

scientist with laser goggles peers into the laser target chamber. The chamber is chrome and mirrored, and the scene is bathed blue and orange light.

Gemini

Call for access is currently closed

Gemini is a high power, ultra-short pulse laser system delivering dual beams of 15J, 40fs laser pulses, at a rate of one shot every 20 seconds. 

Octopus

Call for access is currently closed

Octopus is a unique user facility with a suite of advanced light and electron microscopes for use in the life, environmental, and materials sciences.

Ultra

Call for access is currently closed

Ultra is a time-resolved spectroscopy facility, offering a range of pump–probe techniques. Key focuses are on vibrational spectroscopies, non-linear spectroscopy and femtosecond to second timescales measurements.

User access to EPAC: coming soon

Call for access is currently closed

The Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) is a new national facility to support UK science, technology, innovation and industry. First light is planned for 2026.

Vulcan dark period: experimental support

Call for access is currently closed

Support requests can be for targetry, some travel and subsistence costs, and the loan of diagnostics.

Experiment Support

Experimental design and engineering

Training Opportunities

The CLF provides a number of training opportunities to help users make the most of their access time, including:

user meetings
safety training
high power laser training weeks

Training opportunities for users

Kernel sized tree made by the CLF’s target fabrication group

News

CLF science stories and facility updates.

Events

list of past and upcoming events.

Publications

Scientific papers from CLF staff and users.

Need help with your upcoming project?

We are here to support you from start to finish. Contact us today.

CONTACT NOW

Investment in new and upgraded facilities is key to ensuring that the CLF’s research output remains internationally competitive in the future. The importance of this investment is widely recognised, with funding already secured to update much of the CLF portfolio.

Major projects