The Optical Society

Photonics and Opto-Electronics Division

On This Page:

• Division Overview
• Fiber Optics Technology (PF)
• Integrated Optics (PI)
• Laser Systems (PL)
• Optical Communications (PC)
• Optoelectronics (PO)
• Photonic Detection (PD)
• Optics for Energy (PS)
• Division Leadership

Division Overview

This division encompasses the development of many of the devices used by the optics community. It oversees the development of new device technologies such as sources and detectors as components, actives elements such as modulators/switches,  integration of optical components to perform various functions (e.g. silicon photonics, integrated optics, PLCs etc), development of active optical system/subsystem technologies including hardware, propagation considerations, and beam manipulation techniques. Representative active optical system/subsystems areas may include the development of microwave photonics, LIDAR, WDM, sensor and imaging subsystems, and optical networking technologies. A new area for the OSA will involve the use of optical technologies in the energy field including lighting, and solar energy conversion.

Technical Groups

Fiber Optics Technology (PF)

This group focuses on both passive and active fiber developments. It works on all kinds of linear and nonlinear as well as novel photonic crystal fibers etc.

Integrated Optics (PI)

This group focuses on the integration of optical components to perform various functions such as WDM etc. in e.g. compound semiconductor, silicon photonics PLCs or on polymers etc.

Laser Systems (PL)

This group encompasses novel laser system development for a broad range of scientific, industrial, medical, remote sensing and other directed-energy applications. The group addresses technical issues concerning sources that cover the full spectral range, including: ultraviolet, visible, infrared, terahertz and microwave. Strong overlap with other technical groups that study and develop laser techniques and technologies brings together researchers and engineers to produce sources with unique performance, such as high-power, ultra-short pulses and high coherence.

Optical Communications (PC)

This group oversees the development in the field of optical communications. It deals with optical transmission aspects from chip-to-chip, ultra-short haul to long haul range. It deals with optical networking aspects, coding and decoding of information onto photons, optical signal processing and other transmission related aspects.

Optoelectronics (PO)

This group’s interests are in the field of semiconductor lasers, amplifiers, LEDs and super luminescent diodes. The group’s interests include edge emitting as well as VCSEL lasers, pump laser diodes as well as single photon emitters. The devices might be based on direct or indirect bandgap semiconductors or plastic optics.

Photonic Detection (PD)

This group involves the detection of photons as received from images, data links, and experimental spectroscopic studies to mention a few. Within its scope, it is involved in the design, fabrication, testing of single and arrayed detectors. Detector materials, structures, and readout circuitry needed to translate photons into electrical signals are considered by this group. Also included in this group is the integration of components such as lens, cold shields, and readout electronics into cameras. Research into higher efficiency, lower noise, and/or wavelength tunability is included here. Additionally, techniques to mitigate noise and clutter sources that degrade detector performance are within the purview of this group. In the imaging area, camera design, componentry, and circuitry are considered.

Optics for Energy (PS)

All aspects of the use of optics in the energy field are considered by this group. The group encompasses the conversion of light energy into other forms of energy including solar conversion via photovoltaic's and photo-thermal processes. Research on organic and inorganic photovoltaic devices, as well as design of optical systems to direct light into these devices, falls within this group. Photovoltaic materials, structures, performance and economics are considered. Devices and structures with improved efficiency, and/or involving novel use of light for illumination are important aspects of this group’s work. Additional aspects of illumination covered include the modeling and design of lighting systems as well as perceptional consideration.

Division Leadership