The 9th International Conference on Matter and Radiation at Extremes (ICMRE2026) ( ICMRE2026)

189 / 2026-04-06 17:32:10

Physics at the Frontier: The Apollon Laser Facility

High Intensity Laser

Fundamental Physics at Extremes > Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics and Plasma Physics at Extremes

The Apollon research infrastructure is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge in key scientific domains, including strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SFQED) and laboratory astrophysics. Conceived in the early 2000s, Apollon was envisioned as a high-intensity, multi-beam laser facility in France, designed to enable cutting-edge scientific research and foster the development of laser technologies for the international scientific community.

In this presentation, I will first trace the journey leading to the creation of this unique Multi-Beam, Multi-Petawatt laser facility, a journey that began in 2006. I will then describe the initial experimental campaigns conducted at Apollon, as well as future plans for its development to meet the evolving needs of the global user community.