Laser Loan Pool Facility.

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Lasers continue to be essential tools to researchers in a wide range of scientific disciplines and are becoming increasingly important in enabling physical scientists to develop technologies for the benefit of biological and medical science. However, state-of-the-art lasers are often complex and expensive, which often precludes their use in many projects, or limits their availability to test out innovative new ideas. As such, the concept of a laser loan pool was established in 1985 to provide a variety of state-of-the-art commercial laser systems to UK researchers to use at their home institutions, underpinned by technical and scientific support from the Central Laser Facility (CLF). This allows a single investment in laser technology to be accessed by any UK researcher.Researchers apply through a formal peer review process and receive a laser on loan for up to 6 months. All aspects of the laser operation including transport, installation and maintenance are supported by CLF staff. The staff also give advice on all areas of the scientific programme from the application process to experimental detail and laser operation. This application is to secure and enhance the operation of the Laser Loan Pool by the CLF for the next 5 years, working with EPSRC on behalf of the UK research community. It identifies the key areas for continued support such as ultrafast investigations and new opportunities in bioscience. This will ensure a continuation of internationally leading science output, coupled to the essential training that has helped so many researchers and permitted numerous academics to develop their fields and submit successful grant applications.The allocation of lasers will continue to be made by the established peer review process through an independent Facility Access Panel. As recommended by a recent review of the Loan Pool, a new Steering Committee will be established with the specific purpose of guiding the facility on scientific hot topics , timely and appropriate equipment procurement, and its overall strategic direction.This application is supported by 38 UK researchers who give brief examples of the high quality and broad range of science that will be maintained through this programme.The topics cover many EPSRC programme areas including Research for People, Prosperity and the Planet (Health, Defence and Crime Prevention), The Nano World, Human-Centred Systems and Engineering and Science for Sustainability.