SIOM, CAS

Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (abbreviated as SIOM) was established in May 1964, being the earliest and largest professional research institute in laser science and technology in China. To date, it has developed into a comprehensive research institute focusing on exploring major fundamental and applied frontier topics in modern optics, developing large-scale laser engineering technologies, and advancing high-tech applications of lasers and optoelectronics. Its key disciplines include high-power laser technology, strong-field physics and intense-light optics, space laser and time-frequency technology, information optics, quantum optics, laser and optoelectronic devices, and optical materials.

The institute currently has over 1,000 staff members, including more than 900 professional technical personnel. Nine experts have been elected as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and two as foreign academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. There are over 1,000 graduate students. It houses one State Key Laboratory, one joint laboratory between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Academy of Engineering Physics, four Key Laboratories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and two Shanghai Key Laboratories.

Since its establishment, SIOM has adhered to its mission as a main force of national strategic scientific and technological strength. Focusing on major national needs, it continuously enhances original innovation capabilities and breaks through key core technologies in three main research directions: ultra-intense laser science and new fusion systems, space-air laser information network technology and systems, and independent and controllable core optical materials and high-end laser equipment. It has completed a series of major scientific research projects, including research on significant optical and laser frontier basic and applied basic projects, and large-scale laser application engineering studies, making important contributions to the development of ultra-intense lasers and science and technology in China.

It has built the 'Shenguang II' integrated high-power laser facility, the only one in China and one of the few internationally, with both high-energy short-pulse laser loading and active probe optical functions; an ultra-intense ultra-short laser device achieving a world-leading peak power of 12.9 petawatts; and a new-generation ultra-intense ultra-short laser comprehensive experimental device that, for the first time internationally, observed free-electron laser amplification output based on a laser accelerator. It successfully developed the world's first space cold atomic clock operating in orbit and conducting scientific experiments; and the 'Atmosphere-1' main payload atmospheric detection lidar of the national space infrastructure, which obtained global nighttime and polar CO2 column concentrations for the first time internationally. By the end of 2023, it had received 49 national awards, 123 awards from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 160 provincial and ministerial awards, and had filed 5,372 patent applications with 3,454 granted.

SIOM actively engages in scientific and technological cooperation. Around the national strategy of integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, it seizes regional development advantages and aims to serve major national needs, carrying out high-quality technology transfer and transformation, and creating a new pattern of technological innovation and achievement transformation. It conducts in-depth 'comprehensive, multi-level, and high-level' international scientific cooperation. As one of the first 'International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Bases' designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it conducts cooperative research with more than ten countries, actively responds to the 'Belt and Road' initiative, and has established joint laboratories with research institutions in developed countries such as Russia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea.

With outstanding research achievements and its own disciplinary advantages, SIOM has established its position in the domestic and international scientific and technological communities, making significant contributions to the development and application of modern optics, lasers, and optoelectronics in China.