Issuu

October 5-8, 2026

Hilton Denver City Center • Denver, CO

ADVANCE PROGRAM

WELCOME to the 45th annual ICALEO!

As the host of a major event steeped in tradition, you want to offer all your guests something special. It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as Congress General Chair for the 45th ICALEO conference—a gathering yet always at the forefront of progress. Alongside the exceptional LIA team, I am dedicated to making this year’s event not just memorable, but transformative: a place where ideas converge, boundaries are pushed, and the future of laser technology is written.

This year, we meet for the first time in Denver, Colorado. Throughout the week, we will look closely at the innovations shaping our field today. These include laser beam interaction with materials, new beam sources, advanced methods of beam shaping, process control, and of course the increasing use of AI to understand and improve complex processes.

These developments are not only interesting from a scientific point of view. They are influencing real progress in industry, laboratories, and research institutes around the world. This is something I value very much about our community. When we share our knowledge openly and discuss our ideas honestly, we make real steps forward together.

I would like to extend a warm invitation to everyone joining us, especially those attending for the first time and the many students who bring fresh ideas and energy. ICALEO has always been a place where new perspectives are welcome. Many people have found mentors, collaborators, or new directions in their work here. I encourage you to participate fully, to ask questions, and to engage with the people around you. You will meet colleagues who are genuinely interested in your ideas.

The entire team, the track chairs, the advisory board, the wonderful staff at LIA, and I promise you that we will put all our energy and experience into organizing an ICALEO that you won’t want to miss. We firmly believe that you will leave Denver with new knowledge, new contacts, and new energy for the future.

We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 General Chair

Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher

AKL Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V.

Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher started his work in the laser industry in 1994 at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (Aachen). After graduating from RWTH Aachen University in 1996, he continued his work at Precitec in Germany. This work has been extensively discussed in several journals and presented at various conferences. In 2008 he obtained his Ph.D. at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. In collaboration with RTD stakeholders and end users, he works to continuously increase the reliability and use of process monitoring and control devices in laser materials processing. Dr. Kogel-Hollacher is a Fellow of LIA.

Welcome to the Mile High City!

This year, we’re gathering in Denver, Colorado, which is far more than a gateway to the Rockies. It is a worldclass business hub where aerospace, defense, technology, and life sciences converge, driven by one of the highest concentrations of science and technology talent in the country and a thriving entrepreneurial culture that attracts innovators from across the globe.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field of photonics, ICALEO has something for everyone. Pack your bags, book your flights, and join us for an unforgettable journey into the future of lasers!

Event Hotel - Hilton Denver City Center

The Hilton Denver City Center is a destination that offers all the connection you could ever imagine right within reach. Staying at our host hotel means:

• No commute between sessions. Run up to your room during a break, grab something you forgot, or change after a spill, all without leaving the building.

• Prime downtown location. You’re steps from Denver’s best dining and attractions, including 16th Street Mall (5-minute walk) and Larimer Square (10-minute walk).

• After-hours networking built in. Conference conversations don’t have to end when sessions do. A lot of attendees keep the discussion going at the hotel once the day wraps up, so staying on-site means you’re right in the middle of it.

• A rate you won’t find elsewhere. ICALEO attendees receive a special discounted rate of $219/night, only available through our room block,

Our Promises

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

Our Promises

Find out what to expect from this year!

ICALEO brings together the brightest minds, seasoned professionals, and pioneering researchers from around the globe.

Get a rare look inside fusion energy

Catch a dedicated session on laser fusion energy, then go further with an exclusive Thursday tour inside a working Xcimer Energy facility, open only to ICALEO attendees. It's a rare chance to see the technology up close.

Discover cutting-edge research

Immerse yourself in groundbreaking research presented by esteemed speakers and thought leaders pushing the boundaries of laser technology, from additive manufacturing to medical applications and more.

Global networking hub

Connect with a diverse array of professionals from academia, industry, and research institutions worldwide. The ICALEO community is rich in expertise, ensuring you'll meet the right people to expand your network.

Knowledge enrichment

ICALEO offers a diverse array of technical sessions that provide in-depth knowledge and insights applicable to real-world challenges. Stay ahead of the curve through engaging discussions led by experts in the field.

Who should attend?

ICALEO is designed for professionals, researchers, academics, and enthusiasts passionate about lasers and electro-optics. Industry leaders, engineers, manufacturing experts, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers all find real value here, whether you're pushing the boundaries of the field or just starting to explore it.

Be part of it in Denver.

Rates rise at each deadline, and members save on every tier.

Registration prices will be increased on-site, so be sure to register early!

You're in Standard pricing now. Register before Sep 1 to avoid the Late increase.

Register Today!

Register Today →

Full Conference Registration includes admission to all Receptions, Plenary Sessions, Technical Sessions, and the Awards Luncheon.

What changed & why

Single-Day Registration includes admission to Technical Sessions and Receptions on specific registration date only.

• Loyalty is greyed out with its date struck through: the deal is gone, but they see prices only go up from here.

• Standard is framed and flagged "You are here," so the real deadline to protect (before Late) is the focus.

• Same grid logic: the only number that moves (Full Conference) stays the easy thing to compare.

Other Registration Options

Media Partners/Cooperating Societies

If you are interested in becoming a media partner or cooperating society with LIA, please contact marketing@lia.org.

Guest Registration

We encourage guests to join us for the Welcome Reception, President’s Reception and the Awards Luncheon! Guest registration availability may be limited on site. Guest registration is $155 per guest.

Member pricing will be reflected after your unique discount code is entered. This discount code can be found under your LIA account profile Please contact icaleo@lia.org with any questions. The Laser Institute (LIA) Members

We recommend all non-US participants apply for their visas at least 3 months before the congress. However, some consulates may have backlogs in scheduling visa interviews, so you should first contact the consulate to find out how long the wait is for an interview. For more information, visit the International Visitors Office.

Agenda

Take a look at the events of this year’s agenda!

This year’s program committee has put together a thoughtful and exciting technical program. Thank you to all involved for your hard work and dedication to making ICALEO a special event!

Discover more about the week’s events in a detailed agenda on the following pages.

Agenda - Week at a Glance

Take a look at what you can expect to be on the schedule for each day of the event!*

Katrin Wudy, Technische Universität München, Germany

Jared Speltz, University of Dayton, USA

Carlo Holly, RWTH Aachen, Germany

Barbara Previtali, Politecnico Milano, Italy

Markus Kogel-Hollacher, Precitec, Germany

Dr. Stefan Kaierle, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Germany

Thierry Marchione, Caterpillar, USA

Gwenn Pallier, Cailabs, France

Dr. Bo Gu, BOS Photonics USA

Prof. Yongfeng Lu, University of Nebraska, USA

Dr. Koji Sugioka, RIKEN, Japan

Klaus Löffler, Precitec, Germany

Eric Mottay, h-nu, France

Prof. Milan Brandt, RMIT University, Australia

Program Committee

Meet the 2026 ICALEO Conference Chairs!

It takes a lot of time and effort to put together a conference like ICALEO. Meet the people behind the organization of this year’s program.

Thank you to this year’s program committee for their time and effort!

Dr. Markus KogelHollacher AKL

Dr. Jie Qiao Rochester Institute of Technology

Dr. Laura Gemini

Pallier

Jared Speltz University of Dayton

Dr. Christian Hagenlocher Universität Stuttgart

Barbara Previtali Politecnico di Milano

A Special Thanks to our Committee of Peer Reviewers!

Katrin Wudy, Technische Universität München, Germany

Eric Mottay, h-nu, France

Carlo Holly, RWTH Aachen, Germany

Prof. Milan Brandt, RMIT University, Australia

Antti Salminen, University of Turku, Finland

Marc Hummel, TRUMPF, Germany

Dr. John Middendorf Ohio State University

David Bruneel, LASEA, Belgium

Gwenn Pallier, Cailabs, France

Dr. Koji Sugioka, RIKEN, Japan

Ujjwal Ayyangar, Fraunhofer USA, USA

Markus Kogel-Hollacher, AKL e.V. Germany

Sarah Klein, Fraunhofer ILT, Germany

Bryan Germann, Aerotech, USA

Join the committee! If you are interested in volunteering as a peer reviewer for ICALEO, please sign up with the form below.

Dr. Sarah Seffer Laser Zentrum Hannover

Gwenn

Cailabs

e.V.

ALPhANOV

Program

Get a sneak peek at this year’s program!

This conference brings together the leaders and experts in the field of laser material interaction, providing the world’s premier platform for sharing new ideas and discovering solutions. Through engaging plenary presentations, technical sessions, an industry business panel, and networking events, attendees gain insights into the forefront of laser technology.

Technology Focus:

• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

• Beam Shaping

• Biomedical

• Brazing, Soldering, Bonding

• Cutting

• Drilling

• Fusion

• Glass/Ceramic Processing

• Modeling and Simulation

• Monitoring and Control (including OCT, AI)

• Optics and Systems

• Structuring, Ablation, Cleaning

• UV Laser and X-ray Processing

• Welding

Here’s a preview of some of the talks you could see in this year’s program!*

LASER ADDITIVE

MANUFACTURING

Shape Sequencing of Dynamic Laser Beams for Thick-Section Welding and Metal Additive Manufacturing - Spira

Development of a Laser Powder DED Digital Thread Infrastructure - Hay

Simulation-Based Design and Validation of Adaptive Deposition Strategies for Complex Components in Coaxial Wire-Based Laser Material Deposition - Schopphoven

LASER MATERIALS MACROPROCESSING

Learning to Weld: Machine Learning for Laser Beam Welding Process DesignNeuhauser

Environmental Hotspots in Fuel Cell Manufacturing using the Laser Beam Manufacturing Method - Buertey

Ultra-High Power Lasers - Mastering Beam Shaping at High Laser Power and the Influence in Key Industrial Processes - Hummel

LASER MATERIALS MICROPROCESSING

Simultaneous Control of Ablation Depth and Surface Roughness using Bayesian Optimization with In-Line Confocal Metrology - Mottay

High-Speed and Crack-Free Percussion Drilling with GHz-burst Femtosecond Laser for the Semiconductor Industry - Ruffilli

Flexible Application of Ultrafast Pulses for Demanding Applications - Eilzer

Plenary Speakers

Get a sneak peek at this year’s program!

This year’s conference kicks off with a spotlight on laser fusion energy, featuring perspectives from leading voices in the field as we explore where the technology stands and where it’s headed. From there, our program moves through cutting-edge developments across laser applications, closing with a hands-on look at precision manufacturing techniques and research on quantum science. Together, these plenary sessions bookend a conference dedicated to pushing the boundaries of laser science and technology.

MONDAY OCT 5

OPENING PLENARY

Fusion energy takes the stage

TAMMY MA, PH.D.

The lead of the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Institutional Initiative at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will be giving a presentation on fusion energy ignition, progress, and challenges.

LUTZ ASCHKE, PH.D.

The Director Laser Strategy of Marvel Fusion will be giving a presentation on their advanced fusion energy concept.

CARMEN MENONI, PH.D.

The University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University will be presenting on her cutting-edge research in laser optics for fusion and high-energy laser systems

WEDNESDAY OCT 7

CLOSING PLENARY

Precision manufacturing and frontier science

JACK GABZDYL, PH.D.

The Business Development Manager - Short Pulse Solutions at TRUMPF UK will be presenting on the real secrets of nanosecond welding

JUN YE, PH.D.

The Physicist and Professor at University of Colorado will be presenting on research on the frontier of light-matter interactions and quantum science

Highlights

Check out these key events!

Welcome Celebration

Sunday, October 4

ICALEO’s welcome celebration is always a memorably festive affair that brings together longtime and new attendees. The Welcome Reception is the perfect place to interact with the ICALEO Conference Chairs and mingle with your colleagues in a fun and relaxed environment at ICALEO’s kickoff networking event.

Appreciation Breakfast

Monday, October 5

Program Committee members and session chairs are invited to attend this informative start to the week’s events on Monday, October 5 at 7:30am. Both new and veteran session chairs will receive important session materials and audio-visual tips, along with any last-minute updates to the program. Please plan to arrive in time to fuel up for a strong start to an exciting conference.

LIA’s Laser Running Club

Monday, October 5; Tuesday, October 6; Wednesday, October 7

Enjoy an energizing sunrise run while catching up with your fellow early risers. A tradition begun by former LIA President Klaus Loeffler, the LIA Laser Running Club keeps you energized during the conference. Meet us in the hotel lobby with your Laser Running Club shirt on! If you are a newcomer, we will provide you with a shirt. Learn more about how to participate at the ICALEO registration desk.

President’s Reception

Monday, October 5

Looks like luck is striking twice at this year’s President’s Reception, hosted by LIA President Dr. Sam Salama! Join us Monday evening, right after the day’s sessions wrap up, for a night of good food, great drinks, and even better company at Lucky Strike Denver, just a short walk from our event hotel. Whether you’re rolling strikes or just soaking up the fun atmosphere, this celebrated ICALEO tradition is the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate with colleagues old and new. Don’t miss it!

Highlights Check out these key events!

Laser Industry Exhibitor Reception

Tuesday, October 6

Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while sharing ideas with colleagues and suppliers. Discuss equipment and applications in a relaxed setting after the day’s technical sessions. To participate as an ICALEO sponsor or exhibitor, contact the LIA Marketing Department at marketing@lia.org.

Sponsors and Exhibitors registered as of June 25th in alphabetical order:

Aerotech

AIP Publishing

Amplitude Laser Group

Bloom

Board of Laser Safety

Cailabs

Civan Lasers

CREOL (UCF)

EKSPLA

Florida Photonics Cluster

Gentec Electro-Optique, Inc.

Laser Mechanisms

Light Conversion Ltd.

Poster Gallery

Tuesday, October 6

Maxphotonics GmbH

Meadowlark Optics

n2-Photonics

NoIR Insight

OpTek Systems

Photonics Industries International

Precitec

Sill Optics/CourierTronics

Tamron Japan

TRUMPF Inc.

*Sponsors are listed in blue font

For the first hour of the Exhibitor Reception poster submitters will be available by their poster to answer questions from judges and attendees. The posters will be displayed throughout the foyer and will remain up for the duration of the reception, so be sure to check them out!

Headshot Booth

Tuesday, October 6

We are offering free professional headshots during the Exhibitor Reception! Availability will be on a first come, first serve basis. Find the booth during the reception or an LIA staff member for more information.

Highlights

Check out these key events!

LIA Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, October 7

Enjoy a plated lunch as LIA and its partners honor the best of the best at the annual ICALEO’s Awards Luncheon. Be the first to congratulate the 2026 winners of the following awards:

Arthur L. Schawlow Award

William M. Steen Award

LIA Fellows

JLA Paper Award

The luncheon will also play host to LIA’s Annual Meeting.

Ice Cream Send Off

Wednesday, October 7

Enjoy ice cream and a final networking opportunity after the Closing Plenary to celebrate the close of the conference.

Field Trip: Xcimer Energy Facility

Thursday, October 8

Join us on Thursday for a unique opportunity to visit and tour the Xcimer Energy Facility! This tour is exclusively for ICALEO attendees to see the fusion facility. Seating is limited and advance reservation is required. More detailed information will be available soon!

This is an additional ticket to be added on to your conference registration.

LIA’s Annual Awards

Arthur L. Schawlow Award

Outstanding Contribution to Basic and Applied Research in Laser Science and Engineering

The Arthur L. Schawlow Award recognizes outstanding, career-long contributions to basic and applied research in laser science and engineering leading to fundamental understanding of laser materials interaction and/or transfer of laser technology for increased application in industry, medicine and daily life.

Nominations are open to candidates who made outstanding contributions to basic and applied research in laser science and engineering. Examples of fields of contribution include the following in addition to many relevant topics:

• Laser spectroscopy and its application in materials processing and diagnostics

• Laser-aided materials processing

• Laser interaction with biological tissues

• Development of new lasers

Winner will be presented the award during the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6th.

William M. Steen Award

Organizations with Significant Innovation in the use of Lasers for Advanced Materials Processing

The prestigious William M. Steen Award for significant developments in laser material processing is named after one of the early pioneers in the subject. Laser Material Processing is one of the growth points in modern manufacturing. To bring focus to the many developments taking place and to promote the development of new ideas the LIA is making awards for the top idea of the year as adjudicated by a prize giving panel.

In order to qualify the innovative development should have experimental proof of concept in the use of lasers or monitoring of laser processes and should fit one of the criteria stated below:

• Open a new area of application for lasers.

• Be of benefit to manufacturing with lasers.

• Solve a problem either particular or general by the use of lasers.

• Show some novel sensing system by using optics or when monitoring laser processes.

• A development in photo chemistry.

• A development in photo-therapies.

• A development in 3D printings with lasers

Winner will be presented the award during the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6th.

LIA Fellows Award

LIA’s most Prestigious Level of Membership

The grade of Fellow is the highest level of membership in the The Laser Institute. It is awarded to recognize members of the institute who have:

• Attained unusual professional distinction in the LIA mission areas of laser science and technology, laser applications and/or laser safety, and

• Provided outstanding service to their field.

Nominations are open to candidates who must have practiced the profession of laser science and engineering in academia, medicine, industry or government for at least 10 years, and whose membership is current. For exceptional candidates, the Executive Committee may waive the eligibility requirements.

Winner will be presented the award during the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6th.

LIA’s Annual Awards

Journal of Laser Applications (JLA) Best Paper Award Excellence in Laser Applications Research

The Journal of Laser Applications Best Paper Award is given annually in recognition of outstanding laser applications research to the primary author of a selected paper published in the journal in the preceding three years. Each Editor nominates a single paper in their topical area for consideration by the full Editorial team based on the quality and significance of the work.

The winning author receives free registration to ICALEO and a Crystal Award.

Winner will be presented the award during the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6th.

Poster Award Contest

Recognizing Poster Presentation

This longstanding ICALEO showcase draws a crowd and inspires plenty of discussion. Join presenters as they answer your questions during the Exhibitor Reception on Tuesday where posters will be displayed. Check the ICALEO proceedings for accompanying manuscripts from presenters who submit them for publication. Posters will be available for viewing throughout the conference and will also be judged by a panel.

Prize winners will be announced during the Closing Plenary Session on Wednesday, October 6th.

Student Presenter Award Contest

Recognizing Student Excellence

Not only does the student contest illuminate the great work of up-and-coming researchers, but cash awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place winners in each contest. Students accepted for competition will be judged by an international panel based on originality of topic/material presented, scientific and technical merit, and presentation quality.

Prize winners will be announced during the Closing Plenary Session on Wednesday, October 6th.

To view deadlines and nomination forms, please visit www.icaleo.org/industry-awards.

Call for Nominations!

We are actively accepting nominations for LIA Awards and Fellow recognition! These honors celebrate the innovators, educators, and institutions shaping the future of photonics, manufacturing, healthcare, research, and safety. Nominate a deserving individual and organization! Email completed forms to awards@lia.org.

Award Nomination Forms

Thank You to Our Current Sponsors

About LIA

The Laser Institute (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. Serving the industrial, medical, research and government communities for over 50 years, LIA offers technical information, training and networking opportunities to laser users from around the globe.

About LIA Conferences

The conferences of The Laser Institute are the town square of the laser community. A large and diverse group, laser professionals often find themselves disconnected from each other. LIA conferences, however, bring the university researcher, the business executive and the production floor user together under one roof for a unique and rewarding networking opportunity.