BEIJING, Nov. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Thales, Peking University and Ecole Polytechnique signed a strategic agreement for future cooperation in scientific research in the area of Physics. The signature took place today in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People.
In support of Peking University's ambitions to fulfill China's "National Major Science and Technology Infrastructure Project" and develop "Laser-Driven Multi-Beam Facilities" at Beijing Huairou Science City, this agreement aims to promote trilateral R&D and joint facility collaborations in areas such as high energy, high density and laser physics, setting a solid foundation for future cooperation in scientific research between France and China.
These ambitious projects are linked to the discoveries of Gerard Mourou, professor at Ecole Polytechnique, and in particular the CPA (Chirped Pulse Amplification) technique, for which the professor was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018. Gerard Mourou's work is the fruit of a longstanding laser research partnership between his laboratory, the Applied Optics Laboratory (LOA)[1], and Thales, whose leading laser technology expands the use of CPA to new boundaries each and every day.
"Thales has a strong experience in fostering cooperation with internationally renowned research laboratories and institutions. We are therefore delighted to develop this collaboration and help scientific research in China. As a trusted partner to Chinese industries in aerospace, transportation and digital identity and security, Thales actively supports the strengthening cooperation on scientific research in physics with Peking University and Ecole Polytechnique."
Pascale Sourisse, President, Thales International
Thales is a leader in laser technologies thanks to three decades of collaboration experience with ninety research teams across the world. This includes the world's most powerful laser facility, Extreme Light Infrastructure for Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP), developed and commissioned in Romania through an EU project for a two time 10 petawatt (1 PW = 1015 W) laser system.
[1] Applied Optics Laboratory (LOA – a joint research unit operated under the supervision of Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancees (ENSTA), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Ecole Polytechnique) – LOA research activity covers a broad spectrum in ultrafast laser-plasma science. |
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of EUR19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).
Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations -- connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity -- technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments
About Thales in China
Thales provides innovative solutions for the infrastructure that forms the backbone of China's growth. The Group has been present in China for more than 30 years and is the trusted partner for the Chinese aviation and urban rail transportation industries. In the meanwhile, from secure software to biometrics and encryption, Thales has successfully applied its advanced technology to mobile communication, banking, IoT and software monetization etc. Thales has 3 JVs and employs 2,300 people with offices located in 8 cities in China. Thales established R&D centers and Innovation Hubs in Beijing, Dalian and Hong Kong to provide innovative solutions for both China and international market.
About Peking University
Peking University is a comprehensive and national key university. Its outstanding faculty includes 48 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 9 members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and 21 members of the Third World Academy of Sciences.
Peking University has become a center for teaching and research and a university of a new type, embracing diverse branches of learning. It aims for one of the world's best universities in the future.
About Ecole Polytechnique
Ecole Polytechnique, also known as L'X, is the leading French institution combining top-level research, academics, and innovation at the cutting-edge of science and technology. As a widely internationalized university, Ecole Polytechnique offers a variety of international programs and attracts a growing number of foreign students and researchers from around the globe (currently 40% of students and 40% of faculty members). With its 23 laboratories, 22 of which are joint research units with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the Ecole Polytechnique Research Center explores the frontiers of interdisciplinary knowledge to provide major contributions to science, technology, and society. Ecole Polytechnique is a founding member of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
