Lasernetus: A Network Of High-Power Laser Facilities

High-intensity, petawatt-class lasers offer a path for impactful scientific discovery and technical innovation through the study of matter under extreme conditions, high energy particle acceleration, bright radiation production, laboratory astrophysics, and fundamental high field science. These pursuits will lead to a broad array of societal, medical, national security, and industrial applications. LaserNetUS – a scientific ecosystem established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2018 – aims to advance and promote intense ultrafast laser science and applications by coordinating, and improving access to, key high-power laser facilities across North America. On approximately an annual basis, LaserNetUS will issue an open call for proposals for experimental time at one of our member facilities. In the first three years, 83 experiments were awarded already resulting in several high-impact scientific results. Our vision, in time, is to expand the range of capabilities offered through LaserNetUS, welcome additional facilities and partners, and grow the user base both within the U.S. and abroad. This talk will provide an overview of the network, new initiatives, and scientific opportunities.