Physics and applied optics

The "Laboratoire d’optique appliquée (LOA)" is a joint research unit of the CNRS, École Polytechnique, and ENSTA that has been a pioneer in laser-matter interaction and plasma physics for over 30 years.

The laboratory's research activities cover a wide range of topics in ultrafast science, including the development of ultra-intense femtosecond (10-15 seconds) laser systems, the physics of laser filamentation in air, and the creation of compact sources of radiation and energetic particles for academic, societal, and industrial applications.

The LOA is continuing to develop the LAPLACE project, a center dedicated to laser-plasma accelerators.

Areas of application
  • Biomedical research
  • Defense
  • Energy
  • Environment

Research topics

LASER-MATTER INTERACTION, PLASMA PHYSICS, ULTRA-FAST SCIENCE

Our latest news

International | Research | Student Life
A promising first step into the world of research

From March 16 to 19, Edinburgh hosts HRI 2026, one of the leading international conferences on human-robot interaction. Among the scientific papers selected for presentation is one by a group of ENSTA students who initially had no other ambition than to...

A promising first step into the world of research

From March 16 to 19, Edinburgh hosts HRI 2026, one of the leading international conferences on human-robot interaction. Among the scientific papers selected for presentation is one by a group of ENSTA students who initially had no other ambition than to...

Research
Hybridization of metal 3D printing processes for more resistant parts

Bringing together three prestigious engineering schools under the supervision of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), École Polytechnique, ENSTA, and ISAE Supaero, the QUADS2 project aims to hybridize two metal additive manufacturing processes...

Hybridization of metal 3D printing processes for more resistant parts

Bringing together three prestigious engineering schools under the supervision of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), École Polytechnique, ENSTA, and ISAE Supaero, the QUADS2 project aims to hybridize two metal additive manufacturing processes...

Institute | Training
2026 Flag Ceremony: a tradition of commitment and excellence

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the traditional Flag Ceremony took place on the ENSTA campus in Brest, a solemn and symbolic event for engineering students studying weapons systems and technology (IETA). These students chose a dual commitment, engineering...

2026 Flag Ceremony: a tradition of commitment and excellence

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the traditional Flag Ceremony took place on the ENSTA campus in Brest, a solemn and symbolic event for engineering students studying weapons systems and technology (IETA). These students chose a dual commitment, engineering...

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