Promoting the "High Energy Fiber Laser Research Center" in cooperation with the Advanced Photonics Research Institute and Hanhwa Defense

□ The Advanced Photonics Research Institute (APRI, Director Byeong Ha Lee) at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, President Seung Hyeon Moon) is researching high energy fiber laser for defense application in cooperation with Hanwha Defense.

∘ APRI was established in 2001 as the only specialized photonics research institute in Korea to produce skilled researchers for the development the domestic laser and optics industry, and 80 researchers including 30 full-time doctoral researchers are conducting advanced research.

□ On August 24, 2017, both organizations concluded an agreement to establish a high-energy fiber laser research center at APRI and to conduct joint research. APRI was designated as a specialized research institute by the Defense Business Administration last year and is now conducting research on defense and security. Through this joint research, it is possible to secure the mass production technology for the development and commercialization of the innovative technology for developing the world's best high-energy fiber laser, and this can contribute to domestic defense, aerospace, medical, and security industries.

□ APRI plans to develop mass production support technology for research and commercialization of high-energy fiber laser and the development of high-energy fiber laser with support of up to 5 billion won for facility investment and research funding over the next four years through this joint research agreement. The two organizations will build a high-energy optical fiber laser test and evaluation facility with a larger scale in 2020, when the first phase of joint research will be completed.

□ APRI is conducting research since 2012 at the University of Bern, Switzerland, one of the leaders in photonic technology. Each year, 3-4 researchers are carrying out joint research through mutual exchanges, and various joint research projects are being carried out for the development of optical fiber laser technology. In addition, close consultations are under way for participation in European aerospace projects from next year.

□ Director Byeong Ha Lee said, "In addition to Switzerland, we will strengthen the international status of the institute by cooperating with advanced countries such as Fraunhofer in Germany and University of Southampton in the UK."