Abstract
Due to high-power fi ber lasers and fi ber-coupled thin disk lasers, the application fi elds of high-power
lasers continue to expand, especially for laser processing in automobile, aircraft, and train industries.
Based on current applications, laser applications for nuclear technology also show promise because
nuclear applications require compact, fl exible, and robust techniques coupled with effi cient real-time
monitoring systems with optical techniques in nuclear-contaminated areas with complex structures. We
describe how laser-based techniques contribute to nuclear decommissioning which mainly include thick
metal underwater laser cutting and cleaning techniques. We also describe how laser techniques can
contribute to decommissioning after such serious accidents as the one that occurred in March 2011 at
Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Some highly developed laser techniques are expected to
contribute successively to new industrial fi elds.
