The 55th Annual Laser Damage Symposium, also known as the Symposium on Optical Materials for High Power Lasers, has been recognized as the premier platform for sharing insights into the physics and technology of materials tailored for high-power and high-energy lasers. This esteemed gathering has consistently attracted leading experts and researchers who are deeply engaged in the exploration of laser-induced damage mechanisms, materials, and thin film preparation. The comprehensive collection of conference proceedings has become an invaluable resource for those invested in optics for lasers, offering a wealth of knowledge on durability, properties modeling, testing, and component fabrication.

A significant feature of the symposium is the publication of selected papers in the Optical Engineering journal, a prestigious outlet published by SPIE. Since 2012, special sections dedicated to laser damage have been curated, with the most recent edition appearing in the July 2022 issue. This tradition underscores the symposium's commitment to advancing the field and providing a platform for groundbreaking research to be disseminated widely. The symposium's proceedings serve as a cornerstone for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of high-power laser technologies and the materials that support them.

Attendees of this symposium will benefit from a robust program featuring ten core topic sessions, each meticulously designed to cover critical areas such as materials and measurements, thin films, fundamental mechanisms, and surfaces, mirrors, and contamination. A mini-symposium on mid-infrared lasers and laser materials, along with the Thin-Film Laser-Damage Competition, will further enrich the experience. The format, which includes both poster and oral presentations without parallel sessions, ensures that each topic receives undivided attention. Distinguished international researchers will deliver invited talks, offering invaluable insights and fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and discovery in the realm of optics for high-power and high-energy lasers.