About
Christophe Laux is a Professor (Exceptional Class 2) at CentraleSupélec, Paris-Saclay University, where he leads the Nonequilibrium Plasma Group at the EM2C Laboratory. His academic leadership includes roles as Co-president of the Franco-American PUF Foundation jury and membership in the High Scientific Council of 3AF (Association Aéronautique & Astronautique France).
Education:
- Engineer, Ecole Centrale Paris (1988)
- DEA Heat Transfer, Ecole Centrale Paris (1988)
- Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (1993)
Research Focus: Dr. Laux specializes in plasma-assisted combustion, nanosecond pulsed discharges for aerodynamic flow control, and advanced laser diagnostics for high-temperature gases. His work on reentry flow radiation modeling supported ESA missions like Huygens and Stardust. Current projects explore ultrafast plasma heating and nanosecond discharges in water vapor for energy applications.
Publication Trends: His recent articles (2010-2013) emphasize plasma-flame interactions, nanosecond discharge regimes, and spectroscopic diagnostics, with applications in aerospace propulsion and emission reduction. Research consistently bridges experimental plasma physics and computational kinetics.
Awards:
- Luigi Crocco Lectureship, Princeton (2010)
- Most Cited Paper Award, Plasma Sources Science & Technology (2009)
- Chaire d’Excellence, French Ministry of Research (2004)
- AIAA Associate Fellow (2003)
- AIAA Best Paper Award (1998)
Advising & Leadership: He has supervised 19+ PhD students in plasma dynamics and combustion. Administrative roles include presidency of the ECP-Graduates Association (6,000+ alumni) and coordination of international academic exchanges with U.S. universities. Manages the M2 Electrification et Propulsion Automobile program.
Laboratories: Heads the Nonequilibrium Plasma Group at EM2C Laboratory (CNRS), focusing on experimental plasma diagnostics and kinetics. Collaborates with NASA Ames, Stanford University, and ONERA on aerospace plasma projects.
