Accessing the CLF
Access to the Central Laser Facility is available to academic users through peer reviewed access with regular calls for proposals published.
Access routes
There are three access routes to apply for experimental time:
- High Power Laser (HPL) Facility: currently Gemini
- Vulcan dark period support
- Artemis Facility
- Lasers for Science Facility (LSF): Octopus or Ultra
Before submitting a proposal, we highly recommend you contact someone from within your facility of interest to discuss your research proposal, the feasibility of the experiment, anything you might need, and more.
CLF Facility information, staff contacts, and whether there are open calls can be found here:
Modes of access
We offer the following modes of peer-reviewed access, depending on the facility:
- direct access: one to eight weeks one-off access, typically within a six-month period
- continuation of approved programmes: update on progress for the following six months
- Lasers4EU direct access: some time is set aside specifically for groups/researchers from non-UK EU and specific non-EU countries. This time is funded through Laserlab Europe and is for a single visit to use the facilities
Eligibility
You are eligible if the following apply:
- for regular direct access, the main applicant must be a UK academic (including postdoctoral researchers) or a non-UK academic for Lasers4EU direct access
- the main applicant must hold a position that lasts for the duration of the scheduling period
- PhD students can be co-investigator, but not the main applicant
- for access funded by Lasers4EU, the majority of users must work outside the UK
If you are not eligible, or need access before the next round, please contact us to discuss alternative routes. There may be alternative routes for international applicants.
Submitting a proposal
To submit a proposal please use the STFC proposal site.
For general enquiries about proposals contact the CLF User Office or your local facility contact.
For technical support with the online proposal application site contact the user software support team.
Proposal application site support email
Important information
Users must agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the link below:
Users must complete all safety training before coming to the CLF for their experiment. All the necessary training can be found in the submission portal.
For more information and specific links, visit:
The CLF also provides several opportunities per year for extra learning and experience using our facilities. Follow the link below to find out more
Training opportunities for users
Publication of accepted proposals
In line with other research councils who make available summary information on funded research, the CLF will publish summary information, titles and abstracts from proposals awarded experimental time.
Information will be published via the Research Councils ‘Gateway to Research’ site and on this website.
We will make it clear within the CLF proposal system what information will be made public.
Planning your visit
Go here for information on travel, accommodation, amenities, and what to do when you arrive for your experiment.
Commercial and Industrial access
Access to CLF’s world class facilities is also available to commercial users at contract rates. See here for more information: