ORC delegation welcomed at Shanghai Institute

A delegation of seven researchers from the University of Southampton's ORC visited the Shanghai Institute of Optics and fine Mechanics (SIOM).

Deputy Director of SIOM, Professor Weibiao Chen, hosted the visit at the 15th Qinghe Forum in Shanghai on 20th November 2014, at which Professor Johan Nilsson was invited to give the keynote talk, 'High-power lasers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton'.

The ORC delegation included Prof Jayanta Sahu, Dr Jacob Mackenzie, Dr Stephen Beecher, Dr Amol Choudhary, Mr Deepak Jain, and Mr Sung Jin Yoon, who were in Shanghai to take part in the Advanced Solid State Lasers topical meeting and explore potential collaborations with SIOM researchers.

The visit was organised by Dr Jacob Mackenzie and SIOM’s Dr Kefeng Li, who was a visiting researcher with the ORC in 2012. Dr Mackenzie said: “We have long-standing relations with SIOM, a leader in laser science and technology in China. The visit was an opportunity for ORC colleagues to meet with Dr Li as well as other past visitors to the ORC, and to share our research with Prof Chen and his staff.â€?

The group was met with a warm reception and received a tour of SIOM’s PW (Peta Watt) and high-energy laser systems labs and the new fibre fabrication facility. Professor Nilsson provided an overview of the ORC followed by a presentation on the physics and recent advances of fibre lasers in different regimes of operation.

Professor Nilsson commented: “The rate of economic and scientific development in China is absolutely staggering and needs to be seen to be comprehended. I am looking forward to growing our relationship and making the most of the unmissable opportunities that China presents.

Dr Mackenzie concluded: “Prof Chen, Dr Li and their team have been eminent hosts and we are extremely grateful for their generous hospitality. We anticipate that our time spent at SIOM and in following discussions will bear new fruits in the coming years in terms of collaborative research activities.â€?