​​​​The Central Laser Facility (CLF), part of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, carries out research using lasers to investigate a broad range of science areas, spanning physics, chemistry and biology. Research topics range from investigating complex biological reactions within cells to examining new ideas for future energy production.

This visit consists of a welcome and introduction by one of the senior members of the team, guided visits to various departments and research, lots of opportunity for Q&A, and lunch, courtesy of our hosts. A full itinerary will be sent nearer the event.

The CLF is one of the world's leading centres for interdisciplinary science and innovation using lasers. CLF currently operates five large-scale laser facilities as a coherent package for providing cutting-edge science capability for the UK.

Home to some of the most powerful lasers in the world, CLF’s facilities span the entire the scientific spectrum – from molecular level imaging to creating astrophysical phenomena inside the lab.

The CLF is building a new facility, the Extreme Photonics Application Centre (EPAC), which will be a pioneering centre for advanced imaging in the UK. Through EPAC, the CLF will employ a powerful laser to drive a new type of accelerator, producing novel x-ray imaging capabilities for applications in industrial, biomedical and security and defence environments that will boost UK innovation. EPAC will have the capability to image a wide variety of objects ranging from tissues and bone samples to complex industrial components with unprecedented resolution, allowing us to better understand material properties, onset of anomalies and defects and performance of products through non-destructive tests.