​​​​​​​​​CALTA & CLF Strategy​ & Development

Background

After gaining his PhD in laser physics at Imperial College, Chris joined the Central Laser Facility (CLF) where he worked on the development of efficient gas lasers suitable for laser fusion drivers.  He was appointed Associate Director, High Power Lasers in 1992, securing funding for the upgrade of the Vulcan laser to the Petawatt level in 1998 and leading the resulting construction project.

In 2002 Chris moved to AWE Aldermaston, where he led a multi-disciplinary team tasked with developing the Business Case for the Orion laser facility and managing the associated Safety Case.  He was appointed Senior Project Manager for the Orion laser project in 2004 and Project Sponsor in 2006.

Chris returned to the Central Laser Facility in 2008 as Director of the European HiPER laser fusion project.  He led the CLF's Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA) until 2022. He now works part-time, continuing to help CALTA and the wider CLF with new and ongoing projects and strategy developments.

Contacts​

​Email: Chris Edwards 
Tel: +44 (0)1235 445678​