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

Press release | Institute | Innovation | Research
Inauguration of the air-sea experimental basin, the only one of its kind in Europe

On June 24, 2026, ENSTA inaugurated a new air-sea experimental basin on its Brest campus: an exceptional facility for ocean research that combines a test basin with a drone flight enclosure. Its vast dimensions and permeability to satellite waves make it...

Inauguration of the air-sea experimental basin, the only one of its kind in Europe

On June 24, 2026, ENSTA inaugurated a new air-sea experimental basin on its Brest campus: an exceptional facility for ocean research that combines a test basin with a drone flight enclosure. Its vast dimensions and permeability to satellite waves make it...

Alumni | International | Research
A Young ENSTA Graduate Invited to the Lindau Meetings

The Lindau Meetings are an international scientific forum that brings together dozens of Nobel laureates and some of the world’s most promising young researchers each year. Founded in 1951, these meetings aim to foster dialogue across generations...

A Young ENSTA Graduate Invited to the Lindau Meetings

The Lindau Meetings are an international scientific forum that brings together dozens of Nobel laureates and some of the world’s most promising young researchers each year. Founded in 1951, these meetings aim to foster dialogue across generations...

Alumni | Training | Research
Maïmouna Bocoum: The Art of Exploring Across Disciplines

A recent recipient of the Irène Joliot-Curie Prize, Maïmouna Bocoum began her distinguished academic career at ENSTA. While she has come a long way since then, she still occasionally consults her class notes when she needs to familiarize herself with a...

Maïmouna Bocoum: The Art of Exploring Across Disciplines

A recent recipient of the Irène Joliot-Curie Prize, Maïmouna Bocoum began her distinguished academic career at ENSTA. While she has come a long way since then, she still occasionally consults her class notes when she needs to familiarize herself with a...

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