Professor William (Bill) O'Neill FREng

Professor of Laser Engineering, University of Cambridge

Professor Bill O’Neill is widely acknowledged as a leading expert in the field of high-power lasers and their use in materials processing. He founded the Centre for Industrial Photonics at Cambridge University, focusing on delivering new laser-based manufacturing solutions to industry.

His innovations have led to successful industrial applications in: metal-based additive manufacturing; biomedical engineering; advanced coatings; carbon nanotubes; ultra-fast holographic imaging; high-strength super magnets; in-process diagnostics; and ultraprecision engineering. Inspired by rapid development of lasers in the 1960s and 1970s, he established a distinguished research career that led to a series of roles as engineer, educator and entrepreneur.

He has founded two Cambridge spinouts and is a board member of the Laser Museum of America.