42 U.S.C. § 18651 — High intensity laser research initiative

(a) In general. The Director must create a high-intensity laser research initiative, following the recommendations of two named reports. The initiative should include research and development of petawatt-scale and high-average-power laser technology needed for future science and energy facilities, and should support a network of academic and National Laboratory high-intensity laser facilities that users can access. (b) Leverage. The Director must use new laser technologies to build more compact, simpler, and cheaper accelerator systems for science applications. (c) Coordination. (1) Director: the Director must coordinate this initiative across all relevant Office of Science programs. (2) Under Secretary: the Under Secretary for Science must coordinate the initiative with other relevant programs across the Department and other federal agencies. (d) Authorization of appropriations. Out of Office of Science funds, this section is authorized to receive: $50,000,000 (2023); $100,000,000 (2024); $150,000,000 (2025); $200,000,000 (2026); and $250,000,000 (2027).