Arizona Photonics Days 2026

Optics Valley invites you to the 9th Arizona Photonics Days conference in Tucson, Arizona, on January 14-16, 2026, just prior to Photonics West 2026.

Connect with optics and photonics peers and industry leaders for technical presentations, industry trend discussions, and professional networking opportunities during this multi-day conference.

View Program

Program Overview

The program will focus on the expanding scope of optics and photonics technologies in industrial, commercial and scientific applications in six areas:

Astronomy • Biomedical Technology • Laser Technology • Metrology & Systems Integration • Photonic Integrated Circuits & Sensors • Quantum Technology

• Daily keynotes by industry leaders
• 24+ innovation and technology presentations
• 20+ company spotlights
• Generous networking opportunities
• Optional lab, company and facility tours
• 12+ sponsor exhibitors

As part of this year’s Arizona Photonics Days, we’re excited to offer three extraordinary tours that showcase cutting-edge research and technology along with a hike through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Included with your conference registration, these tours are a must for attendees looking to expand their knowledge or explore the latest advancements in optics and photonics or just looking to explore more of the Old Pueblo.

Important Dates

• Aug. 15, 2025 – Oct. 31, 2025: Call for Presentations Now Closed!
• Aug. 15, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026: Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available! Download PDF Here.
• Aug. 15, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026: Registration Now Open! 

Preliminary Conference Schedule

• Jan. 14 & 15: 8:00am – 5:00pm MST (Receptions to follow)
  UA Grand Challenges Research Building, 750 N Cherry Ave
• Jan. 14: 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Welcome Reception + after5 hosted by New Frontiers of Sound, held at Grand Challenges Research Building. Click HERE for details. *Arizona Photonics Days 2026 registration includes admission to this event!
• Jan. 15: 5:15pm – 6:45pm: Closing Reception hosted by The Chamber of Southern Arizona, held at Arizona Sands Club. *Arizona Photonics Days 2026 registration includes admission to this event!
• Jan. 16: Facility tours and networking activities. *NOTE – Closed toe shoes required on all tours. Download Info HERE.
  • Applied Research Building/Space Institute tours at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am. Meet at Applied Research Building front entrance, south side of building at 1420 E. Helen Street.
  • Nano Fabrication Center tours at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am. Meet at ECE Building south entrance at 1230 E Speedway Blvd.
    
  • Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab tours at 8:30am and 10:30am (must pre-register at conference as space is limited). Meet at entrance to Mirror Lab, near gate 4 on the east side of the football stadium at 527 N National Championship Dr.
  • Painted Hills Trails Desert Hike at 10:30am. Meet at Painted Hills Trail Head at 3590 W Anklam Rd. Bring water!

Who Should Attend?

• Business owners, executives and professionals of optics and photonics companies
• Industry leaders whose companies apply these technologies
• Academic and industry scientists and engineers
• Optics cluster leadership and staff

Presenters

Call for Presentations now closed. Questions? Email [email protected].

View past conference proceedings — APD 2025, APD 2024, APD 2023, APD 2022, APD 2021

Housing & Transportation Recommendations

Transportation details

Airports: Tucson International Airport (TUS) is conveniently located just south of downtown Tucson and only 10 miles from the venue at UA Grand Challenges Research Building. TUS is serviced by 6 passenger airlines.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is 2 hours north of Tucson, and is serviced by 24 passenger airlines. There is a shuttle that runs from PHX to Tucson/UA. Visit Groome Transportation for details.

Ground transportation: Rental cars can be coordinated through airport, Uber or Lyft ride-share services. 

Public transportation: Tucson offers several modes of public transportation – Visit Tucson makes it easy to plan your visit to Tucson.

MAP TO LOCATION: https://tinyurl.com/bdhst6vk *Closest parking is the Cherry Avenue Garage. **On Wednesday, due to a UA basketball game, the first two floors will be unavailable for parking unless you have a handicapped placard. Otherwise you must park on the top two floors. If/when the top two floors are full, please see HERE for alternative parking garage options and pricing.

Questions? Contact Jamie Neilson at [email protected].

	About Optics Valley Optics Valley is the optics industry cluster for Arizona. The mission of Optics Valley is to catalyze, convene, and connect optics, photonics, astronomy, and supporting business interests throughout Arizona. Optics Valley is a committee of the Arizona Technology Council. www.opticsvalleyaz.org.
	About University of Arizona The University of Arizona is a top-ranking, research-focused public institution that houses the Wyant College of Optical Sciences – one of the premier educational institutions in optics and photonics worldwide – and the Office of Research and Partnerships, which expands the capacity of the University’s  research enterprise by fostering purposeful convergence and building powerful collaborations across academia, industry, government, and communities. arizona.edu.
	About Arizona Technology Council The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. www.aztechcouncil.org.
	About the Global Photonics Alliance Global Photonics Alliance creates bridges between all optics and photonics clusters to address common matters and facilitate communication and business among members around the world.