What are 'New Yb-doped crystals and laser architectures for the development of a chain femtosecond laser high power' (FEMTOCRYBLE)'s three major research objectives? The main objective of FEMTOCRYBLE is to use newly developed Ytterbium (Yb)-doped lasers to improve the performance of diode-pumped femtosecond solid-state lasers in terms of power, pulse duration, energy and efficiency. For this, the first research objective concerns crystal improvement; a second concerns the study of the spectral and thermal properties of the crystals in laser condition; and a third concerns the development of innovative laser architectures and geometries. How is the project structured? FEMTOCRYBLE is a straightforward, vertical project. We proceed with growing the crystals, undertaking the laser experiment and then transferring the technology to a company. The strength of the project is based on strong collaboration between partners. Improvements in laser quality influence laser performance, which helps us to understand problems that might be encountered in future crystal generation. France is at the forefront of innovation and research in this field; why is this? There is particularly strong international competition in this field. Nonetheless, French laboratories have been positioned as one of the world leaders on crystal and laser developments for ultrashort-pulse generation based on new Ytterbium (Yb)-doped crystals. This leadership is due to a strong collaboration between French laboratories expert in material science, such as CIMAP and LCMCP, and those (such as LCF) which specialises in diode-pumped femtosecond laser devices. This national focus and leadership has already led to several important breakthroughs using very innovative Yb-doped crystals. In 2006 we developed Yb:CALGO, the shortest pulse ever obtained with an Yb-doped crystal, and undertook the first demonstration of laser operation and femtosecond pulse generation of another very promising crystal, Yb:CaF 2. Has a multidisciplinary approach proved important to FEMTOCRYBLE?