NICE 2026: International workshop explored nonlinear imaging and coherent effects

The international workshop “NICE 2026 – Nonlinear Imaging and Coherent Effects” took place on 20–21 May at the former Stazione Ippica venue in Latisana, Italy.
The meeting brought together 58 participants from 16 countries, creating an interdisciplinary forum dedicated to the latest developments in coherent imaging and nonlinear spectroscopy with advanced light sources, with particular attention to the scientific opportunities enabled by free-electron lasers.
 
Over the course of the two-day programme, researchers from leading international institutions discussed topics ranging from coherent diffractive imaging and nonlinear spectroscopy to advanced computational methods, structured illumination and instrumental developments for ultrafast and multidimensional experiments.
 
Scientific sessions focused on coherent diffractive imaging, broadband ptychography, nonlinear wave-mixing, ultrafast single-shot imaging, nonlinear X-ray and EUV spectroscopy, multidimensional spectroscopy and structured light approaches. Additional presentations addressed deep learning-based image reconstruction techniques, advanced optics and detector technologies, as well as novel instrumentation for next-generation FEL science.
Future perspectives in coherent-source research and to the development of next-generation experimental infrastructures also stimulated discussion during the concluding round table, “Source, Science, and End Stations for the Future FERMI Seeded FEL”.
 
The workshop further provided valuable opportunities for interaction and professional exchange among participants, particularly early-career researchers, fostered by the welcoming and informal atmosphere of the rural Bassa Friulana setting. Invited speakers included representatives from DESY, Paul Scherrer Institute, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, EPFL, Jožef Stefan Institute, IMDEA Nanoscience Institute and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.