On 30 July 2026, the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) welcomed Prof. Toshimori Sekine, affiliated with the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR) in Shanghai and the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Osaka.

Prof. Sekine is a specialist in the behaviour of materials under shock-wave loading and the application of shock compression to materials science and Earth and planetary science. His research output includes numerous scientific publications, books and patents. He also has extensive experience in experiments involving laser-generated shock waves, including those carried out at the GEKKO XII laser facility at The University of Osaka.

The visit provided an opportunity to review the existing scientific cooperation and discuss possible directions for its further development. Particular attention was given to the results of an experiment carried out in 2025 on the GEKKO XII laser, with the participation of IPPLM researchers. The participants reviewed the results and discussed the next steps. Prof. Sekine also received an overview of the Institute’s research activities, research infrastructure and technical capabilities.

During his visit, Prof. Sekine toured selected IPPLM laboratories. At the High Power Laser Laboratory, he saw the 10 TW femtosecond laser and its associated diagnostic systems. He then visited the PF-1000U facility, one of the world’s largest plasma focus devices, as well as the Laboratory of Plasma Research with Spectroscopic Methods.

Photo: Prof. Toshimori Sekine (centre) with Dr Hanna Marchenko and Dr Przemysław Tchórz, researchers from the High Power Laser Laboratory. © IPPLM