Industrial technologies, information technology, medicine, compact laser-plasma particle accelerators for proton therapy, new energetics on the basis of thermonuclear synthesis, fundamental physics of superstrong optical fields, gravity waves and vacuum – this is a small part of spheres, where laser is used. Plasma physics, physics of solid body, superconductivity, quantum metrology are not only interesting directions for research, but also the scientific basis for creation of technologies of the future. These directions have been united in MEPhI in the Institute for Laser and Plasma Technologies (LAPLAS).

The recreated institute trains specialists in demand in the sphere of energy-saving technologies, eco-friendly energetics, new materials on the basis of the development and convergence of laser, plasma, beam, synchrotron and X-ray technologies.

Acting Head of LAPLAS Institute A.P. Kuznetsov has told us about scientific research, unique developments, peculiarities of educational programs and opportunities for students:

- New relevant directions have started to develop in MEPhI apart from specialisations, connected with nuclear technologies. For example, the first in our country departments of plasma physics, semiconductor quantum electronics have been created there. Currently they are a part of LAPLAS structure.

The multiple tasks, which the Institute for Laser and Plasma Technologies has set, include conducting of fundamental research and creation of innovative technologies. The research and development have a very wide range, from lasers, plasma, and solid body to beams of particles, synchrotron and X-ray radiation. Thus, practically the whole range of matter states on Earth and in the Universe is researched, and methods and ways of their studying and application are worked out.

For the past five years the question of so-called additive technologies has become relevant, when a necessary detail is not carved from metal, but is grown, and it looks like the one on the computer. These additive technologies have a great potential. They have a laser in their basis, because with its help it is easy to selectively heat the substance and shape a new form of any complexity. In our Institute a wide range of laser-related specialisations is developed, and synergetics of usage of different competences is important.

We have placed three main directions as the basis of the university. These are energy-saving technologies: laser, plasma and beam technologies. This is the energetics of the future on the basis of ecologically safe thermonuclear energy – the facility with magnetic plasma confinement and laser thermonuclear synthesis, which in future should give an unlimited source of energetics. The third direction is quantum metrology, science about accurate measurements, based on quantum phenomena.

The facilities, on which conditions, close to thermonuclear, for which it is necessary to heat hydrogen plasma up to tens of millions of degrees, are global projects. This is an international project of thermonuclear reactor of ITER tokamak kind, laser facilities of megajoule energy level NIF (the USA), LMJ (France). In Russia a similar laser facility is being built.

The large-scale projects require specialists. We now have 20 % of foreign teachers. A pilot project of dual-degree diplomas with Erasmus Mundus on physics and technology of nuclear synthesis is realized currently.

MEPhI directly participates in ITER project, which is realized in France. We have an agreement, and our students conduct internship there.

“The word “light” comprises physics, and the word “laser” – our whole life,” this is the slogan we’ve coined for our university.