Optics Valley Archives - Arizona Technology Council

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by Town of Oro Valley

Bringing Tech and Optics together for an evening under the desert sky! The Arizona Technology Council and Optics Valley, in collaboration with our amazing hosts from the Town of Oro Valley, invite you to our next Tucson after5 Tech Mixer on Tuesday, May 19, at Tohono Chul’s stunning desert garden pavilion. Learn how Oro Valley has a growing role in Arizona’s technology landscape. Th...

Tucson Special Edition after5: Stargazing with Steward Observatory

Celebrate Arizona Tech Week with us for an unforgettable evening and experience the beauty of Arizona’s night sky through guided stargazing, learn about constellations and celestial events, and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. The Raymond E. White, Jr. (aka 21-Inch) Telescope in the historic, 103-year old Steward Observatory Dome will be open and you will be able to directly view Jupite...

2026 International Day of Light Celebration

2026 International Day of Light Celebration Join us Sunday, May 17 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for free planetarium programs for all ages! First come, first seated! No Registration Required! Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used by everyone, everywhere, every day. { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "2026 Intern...

Optics Valley April 2026 Member Meeting

We invite you to our next Optics Valley Member Meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at Pima Community College’s Downtown Campus. Join fellow members and industry leaders for an afternoon of networking, updates and discussion on important developments within Arizona’s optics and photonics community. This meeting will feature a company profile presentation from our meeting sponsor, Kyocera SLD L...

Arizona’s Launchpad for Aerospace Innovation 2026

The event features an integrated, three-track program designed to connect aviation, AAM, space, and defense through shared priorities in supply chains, testbeds, capital, and workforce.

2026 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) proudly presents the 13th Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Tucson Convention Center. Network in person with over 450 business and tech leaders and learn what’s new and trending across Southern Arizona.

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by New Frontiers of Sound

Arizona Photonics Days 2026 Welcome Reception + after5 Hosted by The New Frontiers of Sound (NewFoS) Science and Technology Center (STC)! *Arizona Photonics Days 2026 registration includes admission to this event! How does cutting-edge research in sound and acoustics become the technology that shapes our world? Join the Arizona Technology Council and the University of Arizona’s New Frontiers ...

Q4 Optics Valley Member Meeting

Join Optics Valley virtually Thursday, December 11 for our 4th Quarter Member Meeting. We’ll hear about technology behind the Vera C. Rubin Telescope, learn about the Photonics Cluster in Ukraine, meet new members and more! *Please note this meeting is for Optics Valley members and invited guests only. Optics Valley is the industry cluster that helps its members thrive through bus...

Q3 Optics Valley Member Meeting

Join Optics Valley Tuesday, September 16 at StartUp Tucson for our 3rd Quarter Member Meeting. We’ll hear updates on Arizona Photonics Days 2026, the AI Workshop, new members and more! *Please note this meeting is for Optics Valley members and invited guests only. Optics Valley is the industry cluster that helps its members thrive through business acceleration, workforce development, sta...

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 focu...

Optics Valley Presents: AI for Small Business Workshop

A truly hands-on experience for leaders who are ready for AI. Are you a small business owner looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence but don’t know where to start? Join us on August 20th for a transformative 4-hour workshop, presented by Brain Bridge Labs in partnership with PCC’s Southern Arizona Technology & Entrepreneurship Center (SATEC), designed specifically...

Q2 Optics Valley Member Meeting

Join Optics Valley Monday, June 16 at The Refinery at the Tech Park at The Bridges for our 2nd Quarter Member Meeting. We’ll hear updates on the International Day of Light Celebration, SCOP Teacher Training Event, SPIE opportunities and more! *Please note this meeting is for Optics Valley members and invited guests only. Optics Valley is the industry cluster that helps its members thrive...

2025 International Day of Light Celebration

2025 International Day of Light Celebration Join us Sunday, June 1 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for free planetarium programs for all ages! First come, first seated! No Registration Required! Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used by everyone, everywhere, every day. { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "2025 Inter...

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by Edmund Optics

Join us April 23 for our next Tucson after5 Tech Mixer! Tour Edmund Optics® Tucson Advanced Design and Assembly Facility at our April after5 mixer, featuring a special appearance by Congressman Ciscomani. Take advantage of this unique opportuntiy to hear directly from the congressman about key initiatives impacting manufacturing in our region. The facility delivers sophisticated design and ass...

2025 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) proudly presents the 13th Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Tucson Convention Center. Network in person with over 450 business and tech leaders and learn what’s new and trending across Southern Arizona.

2025 Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing Conference

Join the Arizona Technology Council and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona at the 13th Annual Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing (AADM) Conference! Hear from regional experts as they discuss the aerospace ecosystem and manufacturing innovations and explore cutting-edge intersections with thought leaders on the latest industry trends, challenges and forecasts. Network in pers...

Tucson Tech Mixer & Reception

Join us for an exclusive Tech Mixer & Reception in conjunction with Arizona Photonics Days 2025, where industry leaders, innovators, and professionals come together to explore the cutting edge of technology. This is your opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and immerse yourself in the world of optics and photonics – connect with key personnel from the City of Tucson and the Pima Co...

Arizona Photonics Days 2025

Optics Valley invites you to the 8th Arizona Photonics Days conference in Tucson, Arizona, on January 22-24, 2025, just prior to Photonics West 2025. Connect with optics and photonics peers and industry leaders for technical presentations, industry trend discussions, and professional networking opportunities during this multi-day conference. This year’s event has concluded, the agenda an...

Q3 VIP Tech Mixer: Hosted by IBM (Tucson)

The Arizona Technology Council and IBM Tucson invite you to the VIP Tech Mixer at the IBM Client Experience Center in Tucson. See how IBM is making a significant regional impact, fueling progress and innovation worldwide. July 25, please join us, our board members and other VIP guests for this fantastic networking event featuring great food and fun! Sponsored by IBM, a worldwide leader in hybr...

2024 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

CONNECT. LEARN. CELEBRATE! The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) and South32 proudly present the 12th Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Tucson Convention Center. Click HERE for map. Network in person with over 400 business and tech leaders and learn what’s new and trending across Southern Arizona’s tech industries including transporta...

12th Annual Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing Conference

Join the Arizona Technology Council at the 12th annual AADM Conference, co-hosted by Pima Community College Workforce Development and Innovation. Hear from regional experts as they discuss the aerospace ecosystem and manufacturing innovations and explore cutting-edge intersections with thought leaders on the latest industry trends, challenges and forecasts. Network in person with over 225 indu...

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by Tucson Embedded Systems

Join us for an exciting after5 Tech Mixer at Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc. (TES-i)! Take a tour of TES-i’s facility and learn about the ins and outs of embedded and enterprise systems, software, and hardware engineering development that’s kept this local firm at the forefront of the industry for 27 years. From concept through requirements, design, prototype, test, and low-rate productio...

2024 International Day of Light Celebration

2024 International Day of Light Celebration Join us Sunday, May 19 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for free planetarium programs for all ages! First come, first seated! No Registration Required! Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used by everyone, everywhere, every day. This free, family-friendly STEM event, presented by Optics Valley, offers a cap...

2024 MedTech Conference

Please join the Arizona Technology Council for its 8th Annual MedTech Conference on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. “Bridging Patients and Technology for Healthier Futures” When you are unwell, diagnostics and medical devices help healthcare professionals restore you to good health as quickly as possible. Should you need surgery, medical technologies will ensure you get the care you need in ...

Optics Valley Supply Chain Workgroup with Edmund Optics

Do you have a standard optics, imaging, or photonics component or device? Learn how to reach hundreds of thousands of potential customers through the Edmund Optics catalog and website.

Optics Valley Technical Series: New Space-Commercial Satellite Communication

The satellite communication market is poised for exponential growth and represents a major new opportunity for optical communications, primarily for low Earth orbit (LEO) connections between satellites. The driving forces underpinning this growth include decreased hardware and launch costs, large investments originating from the private sector, and the growing demand to cover underserved areas....

Optics Valley Technical Series: High Power and High Energy Fiber Lasers for Doppler LiDAR and Sensing

Dr. Mehmetcan Akbulut, Director at NP Photonics Inc., will deliver this technical presentation on “High Power and High Energy Fiber Lasers for Doppler LiDAR and Sensing”. In this technical presentation, Dr. Akbulut will describe the latest developments and products for the single-frequency, transform-limited laser market. Potential applications such as coherent Doppler LiDAR, fiber sensing,...

Arizona Photonics Days 2024

Optics Valley invites you to the 7th Arizona Photonics Days conference in Tucson, Arizona, on January 24-26, 2024, just prior to Photonics West 2024. Connect with your peers and industry leaders for technical presentations, industry trend discussions, and business-building opportunities with global attendees over three days. Program Overview The program will focus on the expanding scope of op...

2023 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

CELEBRATE. LEARN. NETWORK! The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) proudly presents the 11th Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the Tucson Convention Center. Network in person with over 400 business and tech leaders and learn what’s new and trending across Southern Arizona’s tech industries including transportation, automation, optics, biotec...

Optics Valley Technical Series: Laser-Induced Damage Threshold

Successful commerce of science and technology requires standardization of measurement. Today more than ever, there is a need for a new Optical Laser Damage standard to increase the efficiency of commerce in the optical industry. The current Laser-Induced Damage Threshold Standard, ISO 21254, can produce ambiguous results due to beam size and sampling area. To address the challenges to efficien...

3rd Quarter VIP Tech Mixer: Hosted by Benchmark

The Arizona Technology Council and Benchmark are hosting the 3rd quarter VIP Tech Mixer on Thursday, July 27 at Benchmark’s campus in Tempe. Please join the Council’s board of directors, the Benchmark team and a variety of other VIP guests at this special networking event. Cost to Attend: Arizona Technology Council Members | Free Non-Members | $20 About Benchmark: Benchmark...

2023 International Day of Light Celebration

Join us on May 21 at the Flandrau Planetarium & Science Center for free planetarium shows and optics activities for families, teachers, and science enthusiasts of all ages. Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light that is used by everyone, everywhere, every day. Join us to explore and discover the world of optics and Arizona’s world leaders in the science of li...

2023 Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing Conference

The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) are hosting the 11th annual conference for Arizona’s aerospace, aviation, defense and manufacturing community on Thursday, July 13 from 1:00 – 6:00 PM at UA’s Health Sciences Innovation Building (HSIB) in Tucson. Attendees will gain a full understanding of the latest trends, challenges, and forecasts in the aerospace ...

2023 MedTech Conference

Please join the Arizona Technology Council for its sixth annual MedTech Conference on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Odd Couples: Collaborations in MedTech The MedTech industry has seen tremendous growth in 2021-2022. New innovations to emerged because of the global pandemic, including telehealth, apps that support mental and physical well-being and wearables that monitor biometrics. So, wh...

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by Darling Geomatics

Let Technology Help Light the Way. Join us to learn how Darling Geomatics continues to support Southern Arizona’s commitment to high-tech through their geospatial land surveying services. Darling’s ongoing (re)investment in technology lights the way towards delivering innovative, precise solutions for mining, construction, civil engineering, manufacturing, renewable energy and power and ot...

1st Quarter VIP Tech Mixer: Hosted by UA Tech Parks Arizona

Join us for our 1st Quarter VIP Tech Mixer, hosted by the UA Tech Parks Arizona! Kick off 2023 by joining the Council for its Q1 VIP Tech Mixer on Thursday, January 26 in Tucson. You won’t want to miss out on this evening of reconnecting with Arizona’s tech community and the Council’s Board Members. Tech Parks Arizona creates the place, environment, and interactive ground that generat...

Optics Valley Technical Series: Laser Diodes and Other Cool Stuff

Leonardo Electronics US Inc. is a subsidiary of Leonardo. We enable next-generation technologies in defense, security, medical, and industrial segments. Our US-based research and development and service provides nimble product development, program support, and vertically integrated production of laser and electronic components and systems. Headquartered in Arlington, VA with facilities ...

Tucson after5 Holiday Tech Mixer 2022

Arizona History Museum 949 E 2nd St Tucson, AZ 85719 MAP: https://tinyurl.com/bd8untv6 Please park in the parking garage at corner of 2nd St and Euclid Ave. When you enter the garage, park on the right side designated for visitors of the AZ History Museum.

Virtual Tech Speaker Series: The Future of Solar in Arizona

At this Tech Talk, two Arizona businesses banking on the future of solar will discuss the trends and innovations in PV (photovoltaic) panel manufacturing. We’ll also dive into the Inflation Reduction Act to learn about the policy shaping future opportunities. How is the manufacturing of PV panels evolving? What are the different applications for solar? The Inflation Reduction Act calls for ...

Optics Valley Technical Series: Adaptive Optics Methods, Technologies, Applications and Results

To quote Lord Kelvin, “…when you cannot measure it … your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind…” (W. Thomson, 1883). Adaptive optics is all about measuring and then satisfactorily correcting dynamic optical wavefront aberration in real time to a small fraction of a wavelength of light. In this presentation, Dr. Michael Hart will describe the basic principles of AO and tou...

Optics Valley Technical Series: A New Method of Optical Alignment Using Bessel Beams

Prior to the invention of the HeNe laser, van Heel used a zone plate to create a light beam that propagated like a laser pointer and used the beam for alignment. He did not realize the beam was a version of what is now called a Bessel beam. In this webinar, Robert Parks of Optical Perspectives Group, will show that with current technology, Bessel beams are created with a core a fraction the di...

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Leonardo Electronics

Join us for an after5 hosted by Leonardo Electronics US Inc. A leader in the photonics industry, Leonardo designs and manufactures semiconductor laser products for defense and commercial applications. Explore Leonardo’s high-tech laser diode technologies and learn about the latest laser diode innovations. This is your opportunity to network among your peers and enjoy great food and beverages...

Arizona Photonics Days 2023

Optics Valley hosted the 6th Arizona Photonics Days conference in Tucson, Arizona, on January 25-27, 2023, just prior to Photonics West 2023. Connect with your peers and industry leaders for technical presentations, industry trend discussions, and business-building opportunities with global attendees over three days. Program Overview The program will focus on the expanding s...

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: Ruda-Cardinal

You’re invited to join Ruda-Cardinal, a global leader in optical and optomechanical system design, at this after5 event. You’ll learn how this world-class optics company delivers innovative, high-precision solutions for mission-critical applications in space, defense, medical and more. Guests can attend demonstrations and presentations by the Ruda-Cardinal team, showcasing their prec...

2022 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

CELEBRATE. LEARN. NETWORK! The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) proudly present the Tenth Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the Tucson Convention Center. Network in person with over 400 business and tech leaders and learn what’s new and trending across Southern Arizona’s tech industries incl...

Optics Valley Technical Series: Attaining Quantum Limits of Super-Resolution Imaging with Applications to Astronomy and Microscopy

In this Optics Valley Technical Series webinar presented by Dr. Saikat Guha, attendees will learn more about attaining quantum limits of super-resolution imaging and the applications to Astronomy and Microscopy. Dr. Guha is a Professor at the University of Arizona, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, and the director of the NSF-ERC Center for Quantum Networks (CQN). About the Present...

Optics Valley Technical Series: High Density Single-Mode Laser Arrays for Quantum Systems

Quantum systems have highly variable requirements and tailored solutions depending on the technology. Key performance parameters for lasers used in this area are single-mode operation, narrow linewidth, and frequency stability. Wavelength of the lasers can vary from UV to NIR, as well as the optical output power. For enhancing performance and flexibility, such laser diodes can be fabricated ...

Arizona Space Business Roundtable

Russia invaded Ukraine a month ago, and already we’ve seen substantial impacts on the commercial space business. Access to spaceports has been denied, launches cancelled and the world’s largest transport aircraft, frequently used for launch stages, destroyed. Engines, rocket stages, and components have been embargoed. Commercial space operators (like SpaceX/Starlink) have become non-st...

Optics Valley Technical Series: High-Power, Low SWaP Pump Diodes and Their Application in Fiber Amplifiers

Applications for high-power fiber laser systems are diverse. The enabling component of fiber-based laser systems is the pump diode, which converts electrical power to optical. To design a compact package requires high power and efficiency pumps within a small and lightweight package. In this presentation we describe LEI’s high-power, low size and weight pumps, and discuss design consideratio...

Optics Valley Technical Series: Micro-Optics for Laser Beam Shaping and Line Generation

Laser beam shaping is at the core for making the laser, and in particular the diode laser, work in different applications. Controlling micro-optics quality, micro-system assembly and scalability factors are key for the successful transfer to sustainable production. Micro-optic design solutions and steps towards the required technology for access to various industrial segments will be shown and...