Episode Overview

Subscribe to AZ TechCast today so you never miss an episode.

Optics and photonics may not always be visible, but they are foundational to the technologies shaping our daily lives, from high-speed data centers and AI to healthcare breakthroughs, space exploration and national defense. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Eric Miller is joined by three leading voices in Arizona’s optics ecosystem to explore how light-based technologies are quietly powering innovation across industries.

Katie Schwertz (Edmund Optics), Dr. Robert Norwood (University of Arizona) and Michael Hart (HartSCI LLC) break down the basics of optics and photonics in a way anyone can understand, while also diving into cutting-edge advancements like free-space laser communications, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation infrared materials. The conversation highlights why Arizona has emerged as a global hub for optics innovation, and what’s needed to sustain that leadership amid workforce shortages, supply chain challenges and rapid technological change in the AI era.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

Michael Hart Founder and President HartSCI LLC

Dr. Robert Norwood Professor of Optical Sciences The University of Arizona

Katie Schwertz Chair, Optics Valley Sr Manager, Optical Assemblies & Technology, Edmund Optics

Michael Hart is the founder and president of HartSCI LLC, a small business specializing in adaptive optics and beam control in Tucson, AZ. He is also an Emeritus Associate Professor in the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Michael’s expertise lies in the implementation of advanced adaptive optics for ground-based telescopes and other optical systems.

Dr. Robert A. Norwood is a Professor in the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, where he performs research on photonic materials and devices.  He is also a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering.  Dr. Norwood spent 15 years in R&D leadership positions in industry at both Fortune 100 corporations (Hoechst Celanese and Honeywell) and venture-capital backed startups (VP/CTO of Photon-X).  More recently he has been the co-founder and CTO of Norcon Technologies, which focuses on developing innovate material solutions for infrared imaging.  He is a world expert in integrated photonics, nonlinear photonics, and optical materials, with more than 210 refereed publications, 7 book chapters, 55 issued US patents, and 90 invited talks.   Dr. Norwood has served on the program committees for OFC (sub-committee chair) and CLEO.  He has been an associate editor of Optica, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters and Optical Materials Express.  Dr. Norwood is a Fellow of Optica, SPIE and the National Academy of Inventors, as well as a member of APS and IEEE.  He holds the Ph.D. in physics from the University of Pennsylvania, and B.S.’s in physics and mathematics from MIT.

Katie Schwertz is the Senior Manager of Optical Assemblies and Technology at Edmund Optics in Tucson, AZ. She also serves as Chair of the local Optics Valley industry cluster and on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council. She received her B.S. in Optics from the University of Rochester and M.S. in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona. Katie has 15 years of applied industry experience in optical and optomechanical design and has co- authored two textbooks in the field. Throughout her career she has served in leadership roles within the optics and photonics industry and earned national recognitions for her advocacy including the SPIE President’s Award in 2024 and being named to the Electro-Optics Photonics 100 list in 2025.

About AZTechCast
The official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, AZTechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Through the art of the connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s hosts and guests share success stories, tech news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to learn more or to listen to recent episodes.

About PADT, Inc.
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc. (PADT) is an engineering product and services company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing Numerical Simulation, Product Development, and 3D Printing solutions. The company is an Ansys Elite Channel Partner and a Stratasys Platinum Partner. They are also a channel partner for Flownex, EOS, and ZEISS #handsonmetrology. PADT’s worldwide reputation for technical excellence and experienced staff is based on its proven record of building long-term win-win partnerships with vendors and customers. Since its establishment in 1994, companies have relied on PADT because “We Make Innovation Work.” With over 90 employees, PADT services customers from its headquarters at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona, and from offices in Torrance, California, Lakewood, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico as well as through staff members located around the country. More information on PADT can be found at www.PADTINC.com.

Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.