Join fellow attendees as we kick off a week of insightful technical exchange and collaboration with drinks and light bites. The ImageSense Congress Reception is where ideas take shape and connections begin.

The Optica Laser Systems Technical Group invites Optica members to join Dr. Kevin Murphy, Associate Professor, TU Dublin (Technological University Dublin) to discuss current challenges in wavefront sensing for atmospheric propagation. After a short overview, participants are encouraged to identify research challenges that might be addressed through cross-disciplinary engagement. Optica Members Only. RSVP here.

This session will provide a focused platform for those working in optical fabrication, precision machining, freeform and diffractive optics, waveguide systems, surface metrology, and imaging system integration. Selected participants will deliver concise 3–5 minutes presentations highlighting fabrication challenges, innovative testing methods, and the impact of manufacturing tolerances on imaging performance. Optica Members Only. RSVP here. 

What is the biggest challenge that limits the impact of remote sensing technology? Is it radiometric accuracy/traceability, algorithm robustness (debates over ML vs. physics-based), complexity of the data, problems with validation and uncertainty quantification, lack of commonly agreed/applied standards, or something else?

Join us for a memorable evening at the historic Château Neercanne, where timeless elegance, scenic surroundings, and exceptional hospitality come together for one of the Congress’s signature social events.

Set just outside the city in a truly distinctive setting, the Walking Dinner at the Château offers attendees the opportunity to experience regional cuisine and thoughtfully selected beverages while exploring the unique ambiance of this landmark venue. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a progressive dining experience designed to encourage conversation, connection, and discovery in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The evening will feature fine wines and delicious courses served throughout a progressive dining experience as guests journey through the Château’s atmospheric cave wine cellar before continuing into the sprawling courtyard and gardens for an unforgettable evening of conversation, cuisine, and connection.

Whether reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new peers from across the global community, or simply taking in the historic surroundings, this special evening provides a memorable complement to the scientific program and a chance to experience the charm and culture of the region alongside fellow congress attendees.

Transportation will be provided and attendees can register for a ticket on the congress registration page. Limited Capacity. 

Workshop: 11:00 – 14:30 
Networking: 14:30 – 16:00

On 17 July 2026, ChipNL CC is co-organizing a complimentary half-day workshop alongside the Optica ImageSense Congress at The Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre. The workshop is jointly hosted with FiCCC (Finland) and AT-C3 (Austria), three of Europe's national Chips Competence Centres.

The workshop is free of charge and open to all. Whether you are a startup founder, SME, researcher, or ecosystem partner in photonics or quantum technologies, this event provides direct access to Europe's growing chips ecosystem, including funding opportunities, support programs, Competence Centre networks and valuable networking with peers across the community.

What to Expect
Introduction to the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) ecosystem, including opportunities for startups and SMEs
Overview of funding pathways, including Chips JU, EU Pilot Lines, Competence Centre programs and national funding schemes
Insights into skills development and training services offered through the European Chips Competence Centres
Networking lunch with professionals from industry, research and investment

Registration Required: Although this workshop is free to attend, space is limited. Please add the workshop to your Optica ImageSense conference registration and complete your RSVP on the workshop registration page to reserve your spot.

RSVP Here >

Registered attendees are invited to visit the ETpathfinder R&D Field Lab, a unique cryogenic laser-interferometer facility located on the University of Maastricht campus. The lab supports the development and validation of next-generation technologies for gravitational-wave detection, including precision measurement techniques and innovations in photonics, lasers and optics.

ETpathfinder will be a testing ground for laser interferometry, the technique used to detect and measure gravitational waves. A laser beam is split into two and reflected by mirrors at the ends of the “arms”. The two beams then come together again and are collected on a detector. When they do so, they either cancel out one another on the detector or are amplified. This depends on the difference in length between the arms. When a gravitational wave passes it distorts space-time by a minuscule amount so that one of the arms is very briefly a tiny bit shorter than the other. This produces a flicker in the signal, which the detector picks up: the gravitational wave’s fingerprint.

The laboratory is a short 3-5 minute walk from the Maastricht Convention Center.

RSVP when registering for the Congress!

As the Congress comes to a close, join fellow attendees for a complimentary celebratory Closing Toast as we reflect on an inspiring week of scientific exchange, collaboration and connection. Raise a glass with colleagues and new acquaintances alike as we celebrate the conversations, discoveries, and community that made this year’s Congress memorable. Bubbly beverages will be served immediately following the last sessions in the lobby.