
Research project
Smart Fibre Optic High-Power Photonics (HiPPo)
Understanding how to control the properties of fibre lasers
The Smart Fibre Optics High-Power Photonics (HiPPo) programme is a new EPSRC funded 5-year programme pursuing fibre-based phased-array lasers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton. The HiPPo programme is focused on understanding how to control the properties of fibre lasers, to go beyond the “fixed” fibre lasers that are currently used in manufacturing and towards “smart” fibre lasers that are automatically reconfigured and optimised in real-time. The aim is to revolutionise manufacturing by developing the next generation of reconfigurable, scalable, resilient, power efficient, 'smart' fibre laser tools for modern day manufacturing.
Learn more about our work.

FROM PHOTONS TO PRODUCTION, FROM ELECTRONS TO ENTERPRISE
Photonics for Manufacturing
“One of the aims of the HiPPo programme is to exploit features of light that have not been fully explored, such as advanced beam shaping, wider wavelength coverage and power scalability. Traditional lasers use a spot of light to cut, weld or mark. However, different applications can benefit from different beam shapes and wavelengths and so we are looking to redefine the transformative use of light in 21st century manufacturing”
Professor Michalis Zervas, Principal Investigator - HiPPo
Find out more about Southampton ORC Photonics for Manufacturing here:
Latest news
HiPPo successfully hosted their second Industry Day on 4th March 2025, bringing together leading researchers and industry partners to discuss the latest advancements in high-power fibre laser technology. The event featured a packed agenda with three insightful sessions, a networking lunch and lab tours.
The day began with a warm welcome from Sir David Payne, a pioneering figure in fibre optics. His introduction set the stage for an exciting discussion of cutting-edge developments in the HiPPo project. Michalis Zervas, who leads the project, presented an overview of recent breakthroughs, outlining the latest innovations and their impact on industrial applications. Other presentations and talks were given by members of the team and included a discussion on specialty fibre development, shedding light on the materials and techniques driving next-generation optical performance.
Following a lunch break that provided guests with networking opportunities, the afternoon session featured a series of technical presentations. explored the capabilities of real-time adaptable fibre lasers, demonstrating their transformative potential for various industries. The final presentation discussed real-time monitoring and process control, highlighting advancements in automation and precision in laser applications. These were just a few of the exciting presentations given on the day.
The event concluded with an engaging poster session and lab tours, where attendees had the opportunity to explore the labs used by the HiPPo group at the ORC. The tours provided an up-close look at the cutting-edge research being conducted, with researchers on hand to answer questions and discuss potential collaborations.
Reflecting on the event, Michalis Zervas remarked, "This year's event has been incredibly beneficial, significantly strengthening our relationships with industrial partners. It provided an outstanding opportunity to share novel experimental results and encouraged rich discussions about the potential for more profound future collaborations. The advancements made in our project this year in fibre materials and fundamentals, new wavelengths, beam shaping techniques, and machine learning laser and laser process control have been remarkable, setting a new benchmark for success."
The HiPPo Industry Day 2025 underscored the University of Southampton's commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical research, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and paving the way for transformative innovations in fibre laser technology.