What is Prometheus?
Aim & Objectives
The overall aim of PROMETHEUS is to develop high power ultra-short pulse lasers and the associated optics to enable the precise periodic texturing of surfaces to impart a range of surface functionalities at unprecedented processing speeds.
- To manufacture textured functional surfaces utilising fewer raw materials, less energy and less waste.
- To improve accuracy, power and control over existing technologies.
- To increase achievable precision
- To minimize heat impact on sensitive materials
Impact
Strengthening industrial manufacturing based on ultra-short pulse lasers and extending its field of applications by simultaneous improvement of precision and productivity; significant contribution to the digitization of European industry.
The PROMETHEUS case studies have been chosen to challenge the technology application into a range of price sensitive industrial sectors. PROMETHEUS focusses upon the industrial application of ultra-short pulse lasers for manufacturing. The project focusses on the development of high power ultra-short pulse laser technologies in the range of 10 ns – 700 ps and will be applicable to future high-power developments in shorted pulse systems.
Why Prometheus?
The PROMETHEUS project supports the European 2020 grand societal challenges. Creating a high potential high power ultra-short pulse laser processing technology with unprecedented processing speeds with in-line characterisation diffractographic / scatterometric inspection system and associated control systems will contribute specifically to at least two out of five of the grand challenges, namely;
- Supporting employment
- Increasing investment in innovation
- increase EU industrial competitiveness and sustainability
- promote EU 2020 targets of a smart, green and inclusive economy
- support EU industrial policy targets
- underpin EU trade and investment policy
