ELI launches commissioning call for new L4f P3 beamline

Europe’s Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) has launched a new user-assisted commissioning call for its L4fP3 beamline at the ELI Beamlines Facility, in Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic, inviting researchers with expertise in laser-plasma physics and high-intensity laser interactions to contribute to the commissioning of one of Europe’s most advanced laser systems.

The L4f P3 beamline is being developed to become capable of delivering 10 PW laser pulses (1.5 kJ in 150 fs) to platform P3 for experiments on Laser Plasma Physics and High Intensity Interaction. The experimental hall “E3” currently hosts the L4f P3 beamline at reduced performance on the multi-PW-level, starting with 170 J in 140 fs – 150 fs, focused to 1e20 – 1e21 W/cm2 , and set to eventually ramp up to 200 J – 500 J on a best effort basis.

ELI says it is looking for proposals that complement the existing experimental setup and pre-defined diagnostics with the possibility of additional integration of: advanced laser metrology, tailor-made gas nozzles, additional diagnostics, and computational methods for data processing.

The aim is to realise one experiment that includes up to three contributions chosen by a selection committee, ranked after technical feasibility check according to their excellence. The first user-assisted commissioning experiment is expected to take place between the end of September 2026 and the end of October 2026.

Proposals must be submitted through the ELI ERIC User Proposal Management Portal by Tuesday, 11 August. All submissions will undergo technical, safety and scientific evaluation before the final selection is made. The laboratory may be viewed via the virtual walkthrough of the experimental hall which houses the L4f P3 beamline.

Invitation

The introduction to the invitation is as follows: “The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC, ELI Beamlines Facility invites the scientific community to submit proposals for assisting in commissioning the L4f P3 beamline at ELI. This beamline is under development to become capable of delivering 10 PW laser pulses (1.5 kJ in 150 fs) to platform P3 for experiments on Laser Plasma Physics and High Intensity Interaction.

“A series of workshops focused on Laser Plasma Physics and High Intensity Interaction over the past 10 years provide a rich science case for the 10 PW beamline with respect to for example Ultrahigh Intensity Interactions, and High Field Physics.

“We invite qualified users to contribute to our early experiments aimed at the interaction of the laser beam with a gaseous target. The first user-assisted commissioning experiment is expected to take place between the end of September 2026 and the end of October 2026. Beamtime allocation and timing will be at the discretion of ELI Beamlines.”

Read the full commissioning call and submit proposals through the ELI User Portal.