LaserNetUS Launches Cycle 8A Call for Proposals

SAN FRANCISCO, CA —  LaserNetUS is now accepting proposals for Cycle 8A experimental time at two member facilities: the Advanced Beam Laboratory at Colorado State University (CSU) and the Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF).

Call for Proposals: Cycle 8A

LaserNetUS invites research teams to request beam time for experiments in:

• Inertial fusion energy (IFE) and fusion energy–relevant science
• High energy density laboratory plasma (HEDLP) and related applications
• High-intensity laser science and technology
  
  

Participating Facilities

• Advanced Beam Laboratory
• Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF)

Cycle 8A also introduces STILETTO at JLF:

• For more information, see the Science & Technology Review article titled "Stepping Up Laser Pulse Capabilities" covering recent advances at NIF, or the recent paper in Physical Review Letters by A. Longman et al., "Pump with Broadband Probe Experiments for Single-Shot Measurements of Plasma Conditions and Crossed-Beam Energy Transfer" 
  
  

Proposal Categories

Cycle 8A accepts proposals in two categories:

1. Regular User Proposals – Independent, user-led experiments. Available at: CSU and JLF.
2. Joint Research Initiatives – Collaborative projects led by a user PI with a facility Co-PI. Available at: CSU only in Cycle 8A.
   
   

Funding Model and User Support

Cycle 8A awards consist solely of fully funded experimental days (beam time) at the selected facility.

The following are not availabe in Cycle 8A:

• Target fabrication support from the Michigan Target Research & Fabrication (MiTRF) Facility. However, users may now purchase target fabrication services directly from MiTRF; visit their website for details on available services and pricing
• User travel support
• Materials and supplies (M&S) funding
  
  

All other costs are the responsibility of the proposing team, including:

• Salaries and student support
• Equipment and consumables
• Targets and target fabrication
• Shipping and logistics
• Travel and local expenses
  
  

Why a Limited Call Now?

LaserNetUS is renewed on a three-year cycle and is currently up for renewal in FY27. While future funding levels are still being finalized, Cycle 8A is being opened now to:

• Keep the community engaged and active
• Focus on delivering the highest-impact science
• Maintain momentum while broader opportunities are developed

As additional funding becomes available, we anticipate issuing a second call for proposals and expanding facility offerings.

Deadline and How to Apply

Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals for Cycle 8A by:

January 20, 2026, by 4 PM PT.

For full details on:

• Application process
• Proposal templates
• Submission instructions

please visit the Apply for an Experiment page on the LaserNetUS website.

Questions?

For questions about Cycle 8A or the proposal process, please contact:

Dr. Chandra Breanne Curry
LaserNetUS Coordinator
ccurry@slac.stanford.edu