Laboratory for Laser Energetics Archives - News Center

Horizontal crop of a portrait of Sujatha Ramanujan in a red suit against a white background.

University News

Sujatha Ramanujan named CEO of NSF STELLAR Engine

October 6, 2026

The former Luminate managing director will work to establish the Rochester/Finger Lakes region as an internationally competitive leader in laser innovation.

Solifluction-formed wave patterns on an Alaskan hillslope with a house a pickup truck at the base.

Science & Technology

Why icy landscapes can behave like oobleck

September 25, 2026

URochester researchers use mathematical modeling to explore how wave-like soil patterns form—and what they could reveal about landscape stability.

Rendering of the proposed NSF OPAL facility.

Science & Technology

NSF advances NSF OPAL toward construction-ready design

September 15, 2026

The URochester-led NSF OPAL project awarded initial funding to support the final design phase for a world-leading high-power laser facility.

Students take notes during class.

Campus & Community

11 new URochester academic programs to know about

September 2, 2026

All corners of the URochester have created new and forthcoming programs for students to learn, discover, heal, and create.

Jessical Shang (left) with two students in her mechanical engineering lab.

University News

Can scientists predict—and control—turbulence?

August 26, 2026

URochester joins a new NSF–funded center to find the answers by combining experiments, theory, simulations, and AI.

Christopher Deeney in a suit and tie with his image reflected on the wall next to him.

University News

Laboratory for Laser Energetics director Christopher Deeney reappointed

The new term recognizes Deeney’s leadership in advancing LLE’s scientific mission while strengthening national research partnerships.

Close up of a hand holding an instrument near an apparatus emitting a red laser representing the kind of work and manufacturing supported by the NSF STELLAR Engine.

Science & Technology

NSF selects Rochester, New York, and Finger Lakes region as national laser innovation hub

The URochester-led NSF STELLAR Engine launches with $15 million in federal funding.

Five different colored vials holding seawater, Great Salt Lake water, nickel sulfate, copper chloride wastewater, and desalinated water standing next to a pile of salt.

Science & Technology

New method turns ocean water into drinking water, without waste

The energy-efficient desalination system produces fresh water without chemical additives and transforms leftover salts into useful materials.

A conceptual rendering of Focused Energy's Fusion Pilot Plant,

Science & Technology

LLE and Focused Energy Inc. announce $6.9 million research collaboration

The partnership aims to bridge fusion science and commercial power.

Group photo of the 17 or so people who comprise the NSF STELLAR team at URochester, including government and industry partners.

University News

NSF explores Rochester as a potential national hub for laser research and development

The URochester-led STELLAR project is a finalist in the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines competition.