Structured Light in Focus: X-lites Incubator Sparks New Collaborations
The NSF X-lites Network convened researchers in Ottawa, Canada, for the Incubator Workshop Structured Light at High Intensity, held February 6–7, 2026, at the University of Ottawa. The incubator brought together researchers from universities, national laboratories, and user facilities to shape new collaborative directions in high-intensity structured-light science.
Over two days, participants engaged in stage-setting provocations, interactive discussions, and “Strategic Doing” sessions designed to move ideas toward action. Conversations centered on three core themes:
- Creation, transport, and diagnostics of structured light
- Scientific applications at non-relativistic intensities
- Scientific applications at relativistic intensities
The workshop emphasized dialogue and shared roadmap-building. Participants formed six teams to identify early-stage pathfinder projects and to collaborate on advancing them in the weeks and months ahead.
The event was organized by the X-lites Science & Technology working group and hosted by the Joint Centre for Extreme Photonics (JCEP). JCEP is a collaboration between the University of Ottawa and the National Research Council Canada. Attendees took advantage of the chance to see several JCEP research labs.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for your thoughtful engagement, generosity, and presence throughout the incubator. It was a joy to witness the energy and care you brought to the conversations, and to see the early shaping of your pathfinder projects. A special thank you to those who served as provocateurs, table guides, and knowledge keepers for helping guide the exciting work ahead!
What is the X-lites Network?
The Extreme Light in Intensity, Time, and Space (X-lites) network promotes collaboration around the world to make use of new extreme light facilities.
The network is bringing together facility users and facility operators to support high-impact science and engineering using extreme light.
