The interest in lasers and non-linear optics as promising new fields of science at Vilnius University started immediately after the development of the laser. A group of like-minded people started to form at Vilnius University, united by a common interest in quantum electronics. This led to the formation of a strong group of theoreticians and experimentalists in 1969-1970, determined to work in the new field of physical science.
- In 1974, the Department of Astronomy and Plasma Physics was reorganised as the Department of Astronomy and Quantum Electronics in a reorganisation of the Physics Faculty. It existed under this name for 14 years, until 1988, when it was renamed the Department of Quantum Electronics.
- In 1983, a Laser Research Centre was established at the Department.
- In 1994, the first laser company to be spun off from the Department, MGF Light Conversion, was established. Within 20 years, this company has become one of the largest Lithuanian companies, producing world-famous products.
- In 1996, the second laser company, UAB "Altechna", was founded. It is engaged in the development and production of laser components, special lasers, laser electronics and laser micromachining systems.
- In 1999-2003, the project "Laser spectrometer for testing of crystal and optical component coatings in a wide spectral and angular range" of the NATO programme "Science for Peace" resulted in the selection of VU LRC to the list of science centres to be renovated under the joint project of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) "Renovation of Science Centres 2001-2003". The support received allowed for a major renovation of the LRC's scientific equipment and, to some extent, of its laboratory infrastructure.
- In 2001, the VU LRC became eligible for international access when the project CEBIOLA ("Cell Biology and Lasers: Towards New Technologies"), jointly developed with the VU Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, won the EU call for proposals for the status of an Outstanding Research Centre. At the time, it was the only Exclusive Science Centre in Lithuania among 34 other similar centres in EU candidate countries.
- In 2004, the VU LRC became a full member of the integrated European laboratory LASERLAB-EUROPE. Within the framework of LASERLAB-EUROPE projects, 82 EU researchers from Ireland, Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States visited the VU LRC in the period 2004-2014 to carry out 39 international projects, use the VU LRC equipment for 480 days, and receive ~ €1.3 million in rental income. LRC.
- New EU and NATO funded projects are constantly being won, cooperation with Lithuanian laser industry companies is expanding, the number of PhD students in the department is increasing, and the number of publications is growing.
EU Structural Funds have helped to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of teaching and research laboratories, and modernise the Master's and PhD study programmes. The Naglis Open Access Complex was created by the construction of a ~730 m2 extension to the VU LRC. The research laboratories here were designed from the outset with the need to maintain a constant temperature and cleanliness in mind. It includes workstations for the centre's staff, visiting researchers and students, as well as a spacious chemical preparation room. The complex will include basic and applied research, student training, and allow Lithuanian companies to test advanced laser technologies for their product development.
Further reading:
Historical overview (1962-1990)
Historical overview (1991-2013)