Celebrations
History
Celebrate with Optica!
A look back at the various events celebrated by Optica over the past few months.
World Photography Week
Each year, World Photography Week celebrates the significant role photography plays in art, science and society.
For World Photography Week, we cover everything from the earliest demonstrations of high-speed cameras to observations of deep space, drawing inspiration from nature to enhance imaging and much more.
In this gallery, you can explore a variety of images contributed by photographers to Optica and learn about the history of optics in this field.
International Cat Day
Meow.
On 08 August, each year, we celebrate all Opticats - whether they're alive, dead or cute.
Join us on the catwalk as we explore all of the pawsitively amazing ways cats pop up in optics - as the foundation for quantum mechanics, a visual effect, inspiration for new technology or as a fluffy friend sprawled across your keyboard.
International Box Day
Across optics and photonics, boxes are a key component of many scientific discoveries and technologies.
Boxes appear everywhere from advanced imaging techniques to holographic displays, and form the foundation of quantum physics with Schrödinger's cat and its box.
To celebrate Opticat's love of sitting in boxes, explore how boxes can be found in optics and photonics.
International Day of Light
In science, culture, art, medicine, communications and sustainable development, light makes an impact.
As a global society, we recognize the many ways light and our community play a role in science, culture, medicine, communications and sustainable development.
For the 2026 International Day of Light, we are highlighting the incredible Optica Members around the world working for a brighter future through broadening access to education, pushing the frontiers of quantum, fusion energy and everything in between.
May the Fourth
A long time ago...in a galaxy far, far away...
Optica was founded. Since then, optics research has proven that many technologies used in science fiction are actually possible.
Tractor beams? Check. Lasers? Check. Holograms? Check. The search for other planets? Check.
We put together some of our favorite articles for your viewing pleasure.
World Health Day
Together for health. Stand with science.
This World Health Day 2026, WHO unites and mobilizes the world under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.” to highlight the role of science-led innovations in improving health.
In celebration of World Health Day, we are drawing attention to the many ways optics research and technology are used to support global health.
