The Ascent of Lithuanian Lasers

Lasers in Lithuania are a source of considerable pride and are often presented as a success story. How did it happen that a small country without obvious reasons to succeed in a knowledge-intense field of lasers and laser applications has become a player equal with the laser industry giants from the USA, Germany, France and other developed countries (Fig. 1)? Here is an insider look into the circumstances and factors that have determined the success of Lithuanian laser industry.