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

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Training | International
Start of the 2026 Academic Year: ENSTA Welcomes International Talent from Around the World

As the 2026 academic year approaches, ENSTA once again confirms its international appeal by welcoming students from many countries to its Paris-Saclay and Brest campuses. Gradually, the first international students are arriving at the school to prepare...

Start of the 2026 Academic Year: ENSTA Welcomes International Talent from Around the World

As the 2026 academic year approaches, ENSTA once again confirms its international appeal by welcoming students from many countries to its Paris-Saclay and Brest campuses. Gradually, the first international students are arriving at the school to prepare...

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ENSTA graduates have recently been featured in the national media. They hold positions of responsibility and are pursuing exciting careers at major corporations, small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and government agencies. Discover a selection of...

Student Life
A sports challenge in wingfoiling to support medical research

Max Duez is a master’s student at ENSTA and the University of Brest (UBO). This summer, he decided to take on a sporting challenge with his friend Pol: to cover 500 kilometers by wingfoil along the coast of Brittany. It’s a human and charitable adventure...

A sports challenge in wingfoiling to support medical research

Max Duez is a master’s student at ENSTA and the University of Brest (UBO). This summer, he decided to take on a sporting challenge with his friend Pol: to cover 500 kilometers by wingfoil along the coast of Brittany. It’s a human and charitable adventure...

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