Shaping the Future of High-Power Optical Vortex Beams

About HiPOVor

High-power optical vortex beams hold enormous potential for applications ranging from ultra-precise material processing to next-generation particle accelerators. However, progress in this field has been limited by the lack of reliable methods to generate these beams while preserving their unique properties during propagation and interaction with matter.

HiPOVor aims to change that. Our mission is to train 15 early-stage researchers to become the first generation of experts in all aspects of high-power optical vortex technology covering generation with high modal purity, amplification, propagation, and diverse applications in light–matter interactions.

Through a network of interconnected research projects spanning the entire development chain from fundamental physics and component design to advanced applications, the HiPOVor doctoral candidates will acquire cutting-edge skills to drive innovation in this emerging field.

Our interdisciplinary and intersectoral consortium brings together eight leading academic institutions specialising in structured light and high-power laser development, the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) that is the world’s most power laser facility, and nine industrial partners, ensuring pathways for technology transfer and market uptake.

HiPOVor will strengthen Europe’s scientific excellence, enable new products and processes such as advanced optical components and nanofabrication, and contribute to sustainability through circular economy principles, reduced chemical use, and more efficient hardware.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01 call, under the Grant Agreement number 101226528. The project duration is from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.

Work Packages