Richard Perkin founded Perkin-Elmer in 1937, which manufactures optical components and systems. Richard Perkin 003
The OSA Foundation, launched in 2002, supports a range of activities promoting the field of optics and photonics and recognizing student excellence. Philanthropy 006
The first American to win a Nobel Prize for scientific research, A.A. Michelson developed precision optical instruments. A.A. Michelson 007
Arthur Schawlow’s toy gun contains a laser tuned to pass through a transparent surface. Arthur Schawlow 009
OSA Publishing/Infobase is the largest peer-reviewed collection of optics and photonics information in the world. OSA Publishing 012
Murray Ramsay demonstrates fiber-optic video communications to Queen Elizabeth II Fiber Optics Demonstration 014
Understanding optics of the eye, from vision technologies to color to coding and detection Vision 019
Used in communications systems to improve transmission speeds, ultrafast photonics is improving imaging of ultrafast biological and chemical processes. Ultrafast Photonics 020
Starting in the 1940s, innovative optical designs and technologies have advanced our ability to survey the Earth remotely. Remote Sensing 021
One of OSA’s first honorary members, George Ellery Hale was a pioneering astronomer. George Ellery Hale 022
Nonlinear optics refers to the unconventional behavior of light when it interacts with matter. Nonlinear Optics 023
Mildred Dresselhaus was among the first to use lasers for magneto-optics experiments Mildred Dresselhaus 028
Maria Goeppert-Mayer predicted two-photon absorption in 1931 and received a Nobel Prize for defining an atom’s nuclear structure. Maria Goeppert-Mayer 032
In a century, OSA has grown from 30 charter members to 20,000 members from 180 Countries 30 Members Establish OSA - Annual Meeting 034
Inventor Edwin Land first demonstrated the polaroid instant camera at an OSA meeting in 1947. Edwin Land 035
OSA Fellow Hilda Kingslake was a lens designer and historian of OSA. She was the wife of Rudolf Kingslake, founder of the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics. Hilda Kingslake 037
Undersea fiber optic cable (like this one, made by TE Connectivity SubCom) makes up the backbone of the world's international communication network. Subsea Fiber Optic Communications 040
3D printers generate on-demand objects using lasers and “inks” made of plastic, ceramic or metal. 3D Printing 042
For a 100 years, OSA has benefited from the dedicated leadership of its presidents. OSA Presidents 044
Four-color DNA sequencing identifies the order of nucleotides in a DNA fragment. Red, blue, green and yellow represent one of the four DNA nucleotides. Four-Color DNA Sequencing 045
Automated facial recognition and fingerprint identification are just two forms of biometrics. Biometrics 046
OSA local sections number 22 around the world. Rochester, N.Y. is home to OSA’s first Local Section founded in 1916. OSA Local Sections 048
OSA sponsors multiple programs to promote optics and photonics among K-12 students. Legacy programs include the Optics Discovery Kit and the Optics Suitcase. Optics for Kids 049
Physicist Mary Warga became OSA’s first staff member, serving as executive secretary from 1959 to 1972. She received the first OSA Distinguished Service Award in 1973. Mary Warga 050
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique providing high-resolution sectioning of biological samples. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) 051
The Argus II is the first FDA-approved retinal implant to treat adults with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of genetic conditions limit vision. Artificial Retina 053
Laser pioneer and renowned educator Anthony Siegman served as OSA President and was active in the OSA Foundation. Anthony Siegman 054
The Optical Society is the professional home to 270,000 scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs. OSA Community 057
Laser barcode scanners transformed inventory tracking and shopping trips. Laser Scanning Barcodes 059
OSA’s highest honor, the Frederic Ives Award, recognizes overall distinction in optics. Frederic Ives and His Medal 060
OSA’s top-rated journals present the latest findings of researchers working in the field of optics and photonics. OSA Journals 061
Max Planck earned the 1918 Nobel Prize for Physics for his work describing the flow of energy in discrete packets called quanta. Max Planck 064
In 1938, Chester Carlson invented electrophotography which came to be known as xerography. Xerography 068
Quantum encryption uses photons to secure messages, data and other sensitive information. Quantum Encryption 069
OFC grew out of a topical meeting on optical fiber transmission. The first OFC meeting was held in Washington, D.C. in 1979. OFC 070
Optical lithography uses light to pattern integrated circuits for microelectronic applications. Optical Lithography 073
OSA Fellows are OSA members who have distinguished themselves by advancing the field. OSA Fellows 075
Willard Boyle (left) and George Smith, inventors of the charge coupled device sensor. Charge Coupled Device (CCD) 076
Willis Lamb received the Nobel Prize in 1955 for revealing the fine structure of optical radiation from hydrogen. His work laid the foundation for quantum electrodynamics. Willis Lamb 077
This distinguished group includes honorary members Charles Townes, Gerhard Herzberg, Dennis Gabor and Art Schawlow. OSA Honorary Members 084
Critical advances in telecommunications such as the laser and optical amplifiers were developed at Bell Laboratories. Bell Laboratories 089
Taken in 1964, this is Harold Edgerton’s most famous picture. His knack for invention created the electronic flash--- allowing even the incredible speed of a bullet to be frozen in place. High Speed Photography 091
CLEO/IQEC grew out of a strong tradition of providing forums for the optics community to share information on the latest basic and applied laser research. CLEO 092
OSA’s first Executive Director, Jarus Quinn, guided society activities from 1969 to 1994. guided society activities as OSA's first Executive Director Jarus Quinn 093
Formerly known as the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association, OIDA is now known as OSA Industry Development Associates. OIDA 096
Holography, developed by Dennis Gabor in the 1940s, became practical after the laser’s invention in 1960. Holography 097
JOSA, OSA’s first journal, was published between 1917 and 1983. In 1984, JOSA split into JOSA A and B. JOSA 099
Lasers deliver a tightly focused light beam enabling multiple applications. 001 Lasers Lasers, developed during the mid-20th century, deliver coherent light in a tightly focused beam. Depending on application, lasers can be as small as a strand of DNA or as large as a sports stadium. They can generate power from a few picowatts to more than 500 trillion watts. Their applications range from high-speed communications and digital technologies to medical advances and precision manufacturing. (Photo: TOPTICA Photonics AG) (Courtesy of TOPTICA Photonics AG) Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit