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History

History

Over a Century of Optics & Photonics

Welcome to the Living History of Optica, where we celebrate the society and the science of optics and photonics over the past century and beyond! You'll find biographies, photos, memoirs, videos and much more. 

  • Turning 100

    A look back at the society's 2016 centennial celebration.

From the birth of the local optical society in Rochester, New York, U.S, in 1915 to today, light science has made tremendous advancements. It touches the lives of each and every one of us around the globe. Join us on our journey of bringing history to life by exploring the Milestones and Celebrations, Biographies and Memoirs,  Multimedia and the Chronology of this amazing science that shapes our world.

We are only at the beginning of what optics technology can do,
The society and its members will continue to be at the forefront of advancing the science of light.
Alan Willner, 2016 President
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Image for Floyd K. Richtmyer
Biography

Floyd K. Richtmyer

Last updated: 7/24/2024 1:22:16 PM

President, 1920

Image for Gary C. Bjorklund
Biography

Gary C. Bjorklund

Last updated: 7/24/2024 1:22:34 PM

President, 1998

Image for G. Michael Morris
Biography

G. Michael Morris

Last updated: 7/24/2024 1:23:02 PM

President, 2003

Image for Alan Willner
Biography

Alan Willner

Last updated: 8/23/2024 4:59:18 PM

President, 2016

Image for H. Jeff Kimble
Biography

H. Jeff Kimble

Last updated: 10/2/2024 2:17:25 PM

Image for Stephen A. Benton
Biography

Stephen A. Benton

Last updated: 9/30/2024 4:28:06 PM

Image for Joseph A. Izatt
Biography

Joseph A. Izatt

Last updated: 10/2/2024 12:12:15 PM

Image for Nabeel Agha Riza
Biography

Nabeel Agha Riza

Last updated: 3/27/2024 7:40:19 AM

Image for Rick Trebino
Biography

Rick Trebino

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:11:01 PM

Image for Franco Nori
Biography

Franco Nori

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:10:30 PM

Image for Gordon Legge
Biography

Gordon Legge

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:08:39 PM

Image for Samuel Steven
Biography

Samuel Steven

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:07:56 PM

Image for Radhakrishnan Nagarajan
Biography

Radhakrishnan Nagarajan

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:07:08 PM

Image for Nathalie Picqué
Biography

Nathalie Picqué

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:06:25 PM

Image for Deep Jariwala
Biography

Deep Jariwala

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:05:41 PM

Image for Naomi J Halas
Biography

Naomi J Halas

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:03:55 PM

Image for Steven Boxer
Biography

Steven Boxer

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:03:12 PM

Image for Ting-Chung Poon
Biography

Ting-Chung Poon

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:02:40 PM

Image for Boon S. Ooi
Biography

Boon S. Ooi

Last updated: 3/8/2024 4:01:55 PM

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