Program to fund light source research

Summary form only given. An industry and government co-sponsored workshop to develop strategies for pre-competitive research in the basic sciences of commercial light sources to achieve major breakthroughs in light source performance and efficiency was held in March 1995. Qualified researchers in the basic sciences related to light source technologies were brought together with world-wide experts now working in light source research to discuss, plan and prioritize the sustained research programs needed to achieve the major breakthrough. The goals were to: (1) educate participants from the basic research community in the current state of the art in light source technology and research; (2) provide a vehicle for participants to explore both single focused as well as interdisciplinary research programs that would provide the basis for the breakthroughs; (3) jointly establish specific programs and priorities for collaborative effort. This paper highlights the findings and subsequent precompetitive research plans that have been developed by the sponsors group during 1995. The outcome of the workshop is expected to lead in 1996 and future years to multiple sourcing of funds for the targeted research from both private industries as well as from interested government agencies.