Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, President Kim Young-Joon) announced on November 20, 2012 that Advanced Photonics Research Institute (APRI, Director Lee In-won) of GIST established an international joint research center for high-power optical fiber laser in cooperation with University of Bern, Switzerland and Samsung Thales Co., Ltd in order to jointly develop high-power optical fiber laser technology utilized in the areas of aerospace and national defense.

The establishment of the international joint research center for high-power optical fiber laser was driven by Advanced Photonics Research Institute of GIST with the participation of Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) of University of Bern, Switzerland and Samsung Thales Co., Ltd. The center plans to develop high-power and high-energy optical fiber laser technology which is applicable to high-tech micro industry and the areas of aerospace and national defense, and to secure element technology related to optical laser system by the year of 2018. This optical laser system, which enables a stable movement in extreme environmental conditions, is not just a high value-added industry but also a core technology which should be secured to be utilized to develop next generation weapons in the areas of aerospace and national defense.