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.

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

Important Dates

• Aug. 15, 2025 – Oct. 31, 2025: Call for Presentations Now Open! Download PDF Here.
• 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 (Reception to follow)
  UA Grand Challenges Research Building, 750 N Cherry Ave
• Jan. 16: Facility tours and networking activities TBA

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 is open Aug. 15 – Oct. 31, 2025 for these 6 tracks: Astronomy, Biomedical Technology, Laser Technology, Metrology & Systems Integration, Photonic Integrated Circuits & Sensors, and Quantum Technology. Abstract decisions will be sent by November 21, 2025. Download the Call for Presentations PDF HERE. 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.

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.