The inauguration ceremony for China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation's optical quantum technology and application department takes place in Optics Valley on March 6. [Photo provided to China Daily]

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC), a State-owned high-tech enterprise, set up its optical quantum technology and application department in East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China) in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, following an inauguration ceremony held on March 6.

Attendees at the ceremony included Wang Xiangwang, secretary of the zone's Party working committee, Chen Guoying, vice general-manager of CASIC, and Guo Yong, president of the fourth research institute of CASIC.

Laser technology and quantum technology are cutting-edge technologies that are considered crucial for development in the 21st century. They have been widely applied in areas such as industrial production, energy, defense, aviation, information and communication, and healthcare.

The new department, with a focus on planning, technological research and application for the laser and quantum technology industries, will be developed into a national innovation center for the sectors, and will train workers skilled in using the new technologies, while introducing more key technologies to the zone.

The department will be built based on the laser technology park, which is still under construction in Optics Valley, and facilities including a chip factory, optical fiber plant and power center have been put into use since the beginning of 2019.

Officials announce the establishment of CASIC's new department in Optics Valley, March 6. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The laser technology park photographed under construction in Optics Valley, Wuhan [Photo provided to China Daily]