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18 June 2021
Experts in Space Exploration, Illumination and Interferometry to Headline 2021 Optical Design and Fabrication Congress
New topical meeting on flat optics to highlight role of this field in creating compact components and systems
Washington – The all-virtual OSA Optical Design and Fabrication Congress, to be held 27 June – 01 July, will feature three plenary talks describing advances in space telescopes, applications of freeform optics and a historical overview of interferometry. Other topics that attendees can engage in include the fabrication of optics by lasers, additive manufacturing of optical components, the use of metasurfaces and more.
In his talk titled, “Current and Future NASA Space Telescopes,” plenary speaker Joseph M. Howard, Optical Engineer at NASA, USA, will review current assets poised to broaden our understanding of the universe. Howard will provide updates on the status of the James Webb Space Telescope, the Roman Space Telescope, LISA and other future space missions. Howard’s talk is scheduled for 27 June at 17:00 – 18:00 EDT (UTC – 04:00).
Julius Muschaweck, CEO, JMO GmbH, Germany, will discuss the challenges and opportunities to utilizing freeform optics in a variety of applications in his talk titled, “Freeform Optics for Illumination and Imaging: Quite a Ride, and Still a Long Way to Go.” Muschaweck’s work focuses on applying thermodynamics to help companies solve problems in illumination optics. His talk is scheduled for 28 June at 10:00 – 11:00 EDT (UTC – 04:00).
James C. Wyant, Professor Emeritus and Founding Dean, College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, USA, will deepen our knowledge of the use of interferometry in testing optical components and systems. In his talk titled, “History of Interferometric Optical Testing,” Wyant will highlight how lasers, electronics and computers have enhanced the abilities of interferometers. His talk is taking place 28 June at 11:00 – 12:00 EDT (UTC – 04:00).
The OSA Optical Design and Fabrication Congress is held every two years. This year’s event convenes four topical meetings: Freeform Optics, International Optical Design Conference, Optical Fabrication and Testing and Flat Optics: Components to Systems. Participants will hear from experts on the modern design tools helping to augment manufacturability and enhance system performance.
New this year, the Flat Optics topical meeting is expected to provide a multidisciplinary framework linking nanophotonics and optical design. Emerging applications of flat optical and metasurface components include displays, Lidar, depth sensors, space technologies and augmented and virtual reality. Special joint sessions with Freeform Optics will discuss inverse design with artificial intelligence and explore freeform surfaces with the flexibility that flat optical techniques can add.
Registration is now open for participants to engage live online or on-demand later. Advanced registration is required to receive the web link and access the congress. Additional information on the virtual exhibition and sponsorship opportunities can be found here.
About The Optical Society
The Optical Society (OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. OSA’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.
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