Israel MoD to Invest $56.35M for Research on Light Particles, Lasers

Israel Ministry of Defense is building a new research institute and is investing NIS 200 million ($56.35 million) to study light particles or photons, and develop powerful laser weapons.

The five year process to set up the new institute was led by the MoD’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure (MAF'AT), Ben Gurion University of the Negev, and the Ministry of Finance in partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority, the Council for Higher Education's Planning and Budget Committee, and the Forum of Chief Scientists. The institute will operate within the Soreq Nuclear Research Center near Yavne south of Tel Aviv, Globes reported Monday.

Photonics is about the creation, strengthening, transmission and processing of photons. “The study will expand the ability to transmit data over fibre optic communications cables more swiftly and more cheaply at the speed of light,” a government official said.

The institute will also promote research into the development of powerful lasers for industrial and military uses, waves for optic cameras for installation into autonomous cars, LED lighting, fibre optics, semiconductors, and more.

“Photonics research has huge potential in developing future weapons systems as well in the areas of medicine, data communications, manufacturing, data processing and more,” said Danny Gold, head of MAF’AT.