Introduction to the Applied Laser Engineering Center (ALEC)

Abstract

In 1990, the Applied Laser Engineering Center (ALEC) was established in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, by the joint investment of New Energy Development Organization (NEDO), two local governments, i.e. Niigata Prefecture and Nagaoka City, and 38 private companies. Installed in this center are a variety of lasers covering the wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet, including new lasers such as CO laser and Iodine Lasers (COIL). Presently, many research projects are being conducted at ALEC under specially organized committees composed of scientists and engineers from universities and research institutions, and with member companies. A wide variety of lasers, possessed by ALEC, are open to everybody with charge. Special precautions are taken to keep the infomation confidential, such as the purposes and the obtained data.