Laser Applications Conference Panels

LAC is an all-invited speaker format for industry in laser applications. For 2026 the LAC panels will focus on laser applications across a broad range of fields. The LAC Technical Commitee is oganizing about ten panels. Below please find the confirmed panels so far. 

Additive Laser-Based Processing: From Large Scale to Micro Nano Material Processing

Organizer: Maria Farsari, IESL-FORTH, Greece

Laser-driven additive manufacturing is opening new possibilities in advanced production by delivering exceptional precision, adaptability and scalability. This session will cover the latest progress in laser processing technologies, focusing on process optimization, calibration, real-time monitoring and micro/nano fabrication techniques. Participants will explore how mask-free, high-resolution laser methods can produce intricate 2D, 2.5D, and 3D architectures across diverse materials, ranging from nanoscale features to large-area structures.

The session will further examine hybrid manufacturing strategies that merge additive, subtractive and ablative laser processes, enabling levels of geometric complexity and design flexibility unattainable with conventional fabrication methods. Depending on the laser system and material combination, these technologies can generate functional surfaces, advanced structures and nanoparticles for a wide variety of applications. 

 

Global Security and Aerospace

Organizer: Sandra Biedron, Element Aero and the Center for Bright Beams, USA

Lasers are critical in the field of global security and aerospace. Their use ranges from manufacturing of components to fielded uses. In particular, high-energy and high-intensity lasers continue to mature and have myriad applications related to global security and aerospace. This session will provide an overview of applications, such as directed energy, remote sensing,  securing the microelectronics supply chain, wavelength accessibility and also aspects  of unique user-accessible facilities for collaborative research and development. The session will also explore aspects of the workforce as well as supply chain for this unique sector of lasers and peripherals for global security.

 

Laser-Beam Delivery and Beam Manipulation of High-Power Laser Beams

Organizer: Titas Gertus, Toolas, Lithuania

The relentless push toward higher power levels and ultra-short pulse durations in industrial laser systems is opening exciting new frontiers - while pushing beam delivery infrastructure to its limits. As peak power climbs, traditional optical components struggle with severe thermal loads and nonlinear effects that degrade beam quality and cause catastrophic component damage.

This session bridges theory and practice to explore how current technologies meet the rigorous demands of modern laser processing. A panel of academic and industry pioneers will showcase innovative materials, adaptive optics and novel beam-shaping techniques engineered to overcome these hurdles, ensuring flawless, precise and efficient light delivery for the most demanding applications.

 

Lasers for Biomedical

Organizer: Simas Sobutas, Light Conversion, Lithuania

Description to be provided soon. 

 

ML/AI for Laser Materials Processing

Organizer: Thomas Grünberger, Plasmo Industrietechnik GmbH, Austria

The session covers machine learning and artificial intelligence methods and their value in the areas of process development and process monitoring. Key areas to be covered inlcude supervised and unsupervised learning methods, reinforcement learning, generative AI/deep learning, agentic AI, descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive data science, applications in process development, quality inspection, predictive maintenance and advisory systems. 

 

Use of Laser Momentum Transfer to Help Remediate Space Debris

Organizer: Fabien Armogathe, EutelSat, USA

Description to be provided soon.