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
Protection against unexploded ordnances: ENSTA’s expertise called upon in Japan

On 5 September 2025, an unexploded ordnance (UXO) was discovered on the seabed approximately 9 metres below the surface at Tokuyama-Kudamatsu Port in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan—specifically in the waters about 48 metres west of Berth No. 3...

Protection against unexploded ordnances: ENSTA’s expertise called upon in Japan

On 5 September 2025, an unexploded ordnance (UXO) was discovered on the seabed approximately 9 metres below the surface at Tokuyama-Kudamatsu Port in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan—specifically in the waters about 48 metres west of Berth No. 3...

International | Student Life
International students in the spotlight at both ENSTA campuses

Having pursued a successful internationalization strategy for years, ENSTA now welcomes students from 32 different countries, with international students accounting for more than 25% of the student body on average across both campuses. To highlight this...

International students in the spotlight at both ENSTA campuses

Having pursued a successful internationalization strategy for years, ENSTA now welcomes students from 32 different countries, with international students accounting for more than 25% of the student body on average across both campuses. To highlight this...

Company | Innovation | Student Life
Another victory for ENSTA at INNOV’NIGHT

While an ENSTA team had already distinguished itself at the previous edition, Foucault de Jerphanion, Aurélien Gilles, Ambrine Pujo, Thomas Carpentier, and Théotime Galmiche successfully rose to the challenge of designing an innovative solution to a...

Another victory for ENSTA at INNOV’NIGHT

While an ENSTA team had already distinguished itself at the previous edition, Foucault de Jerphanion, Aurélien Gilles, Ambrine Pujo, Thomas Carpentier, and Théotime Galmiche successfully rose to the challenge of designing an innovative solution to a...

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