Membership
Learn about current trends and the latest research.
Optica is dedicated to the professional development needs of our members. The Society connects you to a world of engineering research and a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Optica celebrates Engineer Week 19-23 February 2024
19 February, 2024, 11:00 - 12:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Finding Balance in a Changing Work Environment
The session will entail adapting to a changing work environment involves staying flexible, embracing new technologies, and fostering effective communication with colleagues. Regularly reassessing priorities and honing versatile skills will help maintain a successful balance.
19 February, 2024, 15:00 - 16:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Revolution in the Manufacturing of the Extremely Large Telescopes Optics
The revolution in manufacturing extremely large telescope optics involves advancements in materials, precision engineering, and innovative fabrication techniques. From segmented mirrors to adaptive optics, these developments enhance our ability to explore the cosmos with larger and more sophisticated telescopes.
20 February, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Hypersectral Imaging in Analyzing Human Skin and Facial Emotions
Hyperspectral imaging in analyzing human skin and facial emotions enables detailed examination of skin conditions and subtle changes in facial features. By capturing a broad spectrum of wavelengths, it provides valuable data for medical diagnostics, skincare, and understanding emotional expressions more comprehensively.
20, February, 2024, 15:00 - 16:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Bridging Transition- Academia and Industry
Bridging the transition between academia and industry involves cultivating practical skills, networking, and fostering collaborations.
21, February, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
STEM Outreach via Scouting Merit Badges
Implementing STEM outreach via scouting merit badges is an effective way to engage young minds. It provides hands-on experiences, fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and math while aligning with the educational goals of scouting programs.
21, February, 2024, 15:00 - 16:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Future Skies: Optical Wireless Backhaul Networks with Multiple Airborne Layers
Optical wireless backhaul networks utilizing multiple airborne layers offer enhanced data transfer capabilities, reduced latency, and improved connectivity in the evolving landscape of communication technologies. These networks leverage various altitudes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones equipped with optical communication technology to establish efficient data links between ground stations or other aerial layers. This approach holds promise for addressing the growing demand for high-speed, reliable communication in the future.
22, February, 2024, 11:00 - 12:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Welcome to the Future Panel Discussion
In the "Welcome to the Future" panel, we can explore diverse topics such as emerging technologies, sustainability, AI's role, societal shifts, and the impact on various industries. Let's delve into how these elements collectively shape the trajectory of our future.
23, February, 2024, 7:30 - 17:30 Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
Networking Event (In-person) Optica Headquarters in Washington, DC
Welcome to the future networking event provides a unique opportunity to reconnect, share insights, and foster collaborations. Attendees can explore emerging trends, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections for the ever-evolving landscape ahead.
Optica Celebrates Engineer Week: From Photonics Innovation to the Marketplace
21-24, February 2023, 14:00 - 17:00
(UTC - 05:00)
This course covers the process of technology development in the photonics industry from the perspectives of both formal processes and case studies. Key aspects of the commercialization process, including intellectual property, new product development processes, technical marketing and team building, are treated in an interactive program informed by the instructor’s 15 years of industry experience in both large corporate research and development organizations and entrepreneurial startups.
Optica Celebrates Engineer Week: Celebration of Engineers — Impacting the Next Generation
23 February 2023, 11:00 - 12:00 - Eastern Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 05:00)
The speaker, Favour Nerrise of the National Society of Black Engineers, is an electrical engineering doctoral student at Stanford University and an experienced research assistant with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry.
Optica Silicon Valley Winter Event
24 February 2023, 15:00 - 18:00 - Pacific Time (US & Canada)
(UTC - 08:00)
The hybrid event will provide detailed insight into how leading companies use photonics to change the future. The event will bring together industry experts, students, job seekers, and early-career professionals for networking, learning, and sharing.
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View On-Demand Programs:
Developing Requirements for Scientific Instrumentation
The benefits of systems engineering are widely promoted with varying degrees of understanding. This webinar is based on many years of experience designing and building complex systems incorporating all of the engineering disciplines (optics, mechanics, electronics, and software). For me, understanding and using systems engineering has been a natural approach driven by my instincts (even before it was a newfound contemporary “thing”). Systems engineering is about balance and perspective. The word “system” conveys the inherently multidisciplinary nature of the work. The engineering work is fundamentally to hold a perspective that makes sure nothing is overlooked that could affect the outcome and to make sure that the best balance is achieved between all of the competing needs and wants that drive the creation of the system in the first place. Systems engineering starts with requirements, and then systems engineering follows on to serve and protect the requirements by constantly evaluating error budgets and the compliance of the system with the requirements as the system is designed and built. In this webinar you will learn by example: - How to approach the development of requirements that satisfies your stakeholders - How to use one sentence definitions to clarify ideas and gain consensus - How to define and manage expectations - How to gain and confirm requirements “completeness”.
Introduction to Mid-Spatial Frequency (MSF) Errors for Optical Surfaces
Mid-spatial frequency (MSF) errors can be a source of small angle scatter or blur in an optical system. This webinar will provide an introduction to MSF errors. It will cover many questions optical designers often ask of optical fabricators, for example: What causes MSF errors on the surface of optics? How can I specify MSF errors so that my surfaces are smooth? How are you going to measure MSF errors?
Laser Systems Engineering
While there are a number of courses on laser design, this course emphasizes a systems‐level overview of the design and engineering of optical systems which incorporate these unique sources of light. Starting with a review of Gaussian beam characteristics and propagation, we then look at laser system optics, beam control and scanning, detectors specific to laser systems, and the integration of these topics for developing a complete laser-based optical system. The emphasis is on real‐world design problems, as well as the commercial off-the‐shelf (COTS) components used to solve them.
