10 Sep 2024

Laser Physicists of the Future Meet in Szeged for ELISS2024

The ninth edition of the ELI Summer School (ELISS 2024) brought together over 125 students for a five-day scientific journey into the world of laser physics. Hosted at the ELI ALPS Facility from September 2-6, 2024, this event drew participants from 24 countries, giving young researchers a chance to explore cutting-edge research while engaging with expert in the field while also networking with their peers.

The ELI Summer School is a hallmark of the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI), alternating annually between the ELI Facilities. Andrew Harrison, Director of Science at ELI ERIC, set the tone for the week with an inspiring opening lecture on the evolution of laser science. “Events like this are crucial because our future success depends on the next generation of scientists coming here to conduct experiments. ELISS is perhaps the best way to make that connection.” He emphasised how lasers have evolved from Albert Einstein's theoretical foundations in 1917 to today’s revolutionary applications, underscoring the potential of lasers in solving previously unimaginable scientific challenges. The field of laser science is very diverse and offers many opportunities for early career researchers to specialise in.

Throughout the week, attendees were able to attend a series of lectures covering topics in attophysics, plasma generation, ultrafast X-rays, and high-energy lasers and more. As Subhendu Kahaly, Head of the Secondary Sources Division at ELI ALPS, notes: “The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them,” quoting Nobel laureate Sir William Lawrence Bragg. Participants also visited the labs to see the instrumentation with their own eyes. Donning personal protective equipment, they toured the facility’s state-of-the-art laboratories. Additionally, hands-on activities and demonstrations added to the lively discussions which brought the technology to life.

One of the highlights of the event was the poster session, where 41 young researchers showcased their scientific achievements. Dina Eissa from Ohio State University in the US for her poster on Resolving Sub-Å Vibrational Dynamics via Strong-Field Rescattering.

Reflecting on her experience, she shared, "For a long time, I was hesitating between chemistry and physics, as I was interested in quantum phenomena and the dynamics of molecular motion. Eventually, I realised that chemical physics was my real world. The Ohio State University offered a PhD programme that was a perfect match for my vision which also eventually led me to ELISS. I was genuinely surprised to win the poster prize! What struck me most was the incredible equipment here at ELI ALPS. I hope to return one day as a user."

Second place was awarded to Sajjad Vardast from Umeå University in Sweden, for his poster titled High-intensity attosecond beamline for XUV pump - XUV probe investigations in Umeå. "This win is the result of a larger team," he said, crediting his research group for their support. He was particularly impressed by the excellent programme and the opportunity to engage with leading experts. The third prize went to Jasmin Hills from Imperial College London for her poster titled Plasma Mirror Reflected Pulses: staging outlooks. “This week, I’ve seen and learned many exciting new things about lasers,” she noted. “It was interesting to walk around the research centre, learning about things I hadn’t encountered before.

The event wasn’t just about science—it was also an opportunity for participants to forge connections, exchange ideas, and build a sense of community. With some of the high attendance for the event held at ELI ALPS, participants came from diverse backgrounds, bringing a mix of perspectives and experiences. Coffee breaks and social events provided ample opportunities for interaction, while the lab tours and practical sessions allowed young researchers to see first-hand what the ELI Facilities have to offer.

Group photo from ELISS 2024

"ELI ALPS is no longer under construction, but an operational facility," said Katalin Varjú, Science Director of ELI ALPS. “Our goal during ELISS is clear: to impress the young researchers, to show what we do and what we are capable of and what this field of science is all about! We are very proud of the diversity of this year’s participants and the many renowned research groups they represent. We are looking forward to seeing them again either as employees or users in the future!”