{"id":6869,"date":"2025-09-23T08:19:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T06:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ametragroup.com\/2025\/09\/23\/how-ametra-supports-the-evolution-of-the-laser-megajoule\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T14:55:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:55:01","slug":"how-ametra-supports-the-evolution-of-the-laser-megajoule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ametragroup.com\/en\/how-ametra-supports-the-evolution-of-the-laser-megajoule\/","title":{"rendered":"How Ametra supports the evolution of the Laser M\u00e9gajoule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Barp, near Bordeaux, the Laser M\u00e9gajoule (LMJ)<\/strong><\/a> is central to France’s strategy for laser fusion and nuclear simulation. Year after year, firing campaigns intensify, diagnostics improve, and the support of the PETAL laser opens up unprecedented observation avenues. <\/p>\n\n

Within this evolving framework, Ametra is strengthening its presence alongside the CEA<\/strong><\/a>, through an integrated platform combining mechanics, electricity, and utilities, complemented by enhanced cross-functional coordination and direct simulation support. With the new AIEL2 contract, this involvement expands to new areas and forms part of a long-term partnership. <\/p>\n\n

The LMJ: A Unique Scientific and Strategic Project<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The Laser M\u00e9gajoule is the French equivalent of the American National Ignition Facility (NIF). Its principle: concentrating the energy of 176 laser beams<\/strong> onto a millimeter-sized target to recreate, for a fraction of a second, extreme conditions of temperature and pressure comparable to those found at the heart of stars. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Originally designed to be expandable to 240 beams, the LMJ already achieves the required performance for its current campaigns with 176 beams. <\/p>\n\n

In October 2019, a first fusion experiment with 48 beams marked a significant milestone. The results confirmed the reliability of the Simulation program<\/a> and validated the facility’s performance. <\/p>\n\n

Experiments also rely on cryogenic deuterium-tritium (DT) micro-targets, maintained at approximately 20 kelvins. Manufactured and prepared at CEA Valduc<\/a>, they are then transferred to Barp in an uninterrupted cold chain. Mastering this technology, which is as demanding as it is strategic, represents key expertise for laser fusion. <\/p>\n\n

The LMJ thus pursues two major missions:<\/p>\n\n