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Optics Valley

Where optics, photonics and astronomy connect and grow.

Welcome to Optics Valley

Arizona is home to world-class businesses and scientific and educational institutions with decades of innovation and leadership in optics, photonics and astronomy. Optics Valley is the industry cluster that helps its members thrive through business acceleration, workforce development, startup support, and connections to local and worldwide opportunities. Optics Valley is a committee of the Arizona Technology Council.

Our mission is to catalyze, convene and connect optics, photonics, astronomy and the supporting business interests throughout Arizona.

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Optics Valley Resource Directory

Search the Optics Valley Resource Directory to connect with Arizona’s leading suppliers of optics and photonics hardware, software, and services. The world-class services and technologies of these companies span from coatings and films to opto-mechanical and fabrication solutions to lasers and fiber optics – and much more.

EXPLORE DIRECTORY

Committee Leadership

Optics Valley Chair: Katie Schwertz, Senior Manager of Optical Assemblies and Technology, Edmund Optics

Katie is a dedicated advocate for optics and photonics both locally and globally.Ā  She is an optics alumna of both the University of Rochester and the University of Arizona, has published two technical books, and has 15 years of engineering experience in Arizona. Katie has served on the Board of directors for SPIE and excels at forging connections and professional networking. She is passionate about advancing local industry and developing external collaborations.

Past Optics Valley Chair: John Dennis, 2016-2025

Past Optics Valley Co-Chair: Jack Schumann, 2016-2024

Optics Valley Advisory Team Members:

  • Erik Novak, Vice President and General Manager, 4D Technology
  • Jake Beverage, Chief Operations Officer, Arizona Optical Metrology
  • Robert Walker, Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, Leonardo
  • Cade Bradley, Electro-Optical Subsystems Chief Technologist, Raytheon
  • Olivia Fehlberg, Business Development Manager, Ruda Optical
  • Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development, Pima County
  • Jacquelyne Vega, Project Manager, City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives
  • Kevin O’Shea, SeniorĀ ViceĀ President,Ā InternationalĀ Trade, Arizona Commerce Authority
  • John Yoon, Director of Technology Outreach, SPIE
  • Greg Wilson, Dean of Applied Technology, Pima Community College
  • Ember Goldstein, Director of Development, University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences
  • Jill HowardAllen, Director of Industry Engagement, University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships

Optics Valley Events

Arizona Photonics Days

The annualĀ Arizona Photonics Days conference brings together Arizona optics companies, our partners from the Global Photonics Alliance and international industry leaders for three days of keynote presentations, technical discussions and business-to-business meetings. It is scheduled in January for our international participants for efficient travel to Arizona and to California for SPIE’s annual Photonics West event and so that attendees can enjoy Tucson’s warm weather. View past conference proceedings — APD 2025, APD 2024, APD 2023,Ā APD 2022,Ā APD 2021

International Day of Light

Optics Valley partners with Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium annually to celebrate the International Day of Light – a global initiative to celebrate the role of light in science, art, culture, education, and sustainable development. It commemorates the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by Theodore Maiman. This FREE community event offers a captivating experience for all ages, featuring optics demonstrations and activities, full dome shows and live presentations by leading members in the optics, photonics, and astronomy industries.

Optics Valley Resources

Resource Directory

Search the Optics Valley Resource Directory to connect with Arizona’s leading suppliers of optics and photonics hardware, software, and services.

EXPLORE DIRECTORY

Subscribe to FOCUS

Optics Valley FOCUS is a monthly newsletter with news and events for the optics, photonics and astronomy sectors in Arizona.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOCUS

$4B Economic Impact

Optics, photonics, and astronomy have a $4 billion economic impact in AZ. Read this White Paper about why you should start, relocate or expand your optics business here.

LEARN MORE

Partners and Alliances

Connect with Global Opportunities

Optics Valley connects members to local and worldwide opportunities through our alliances and collaborations with leading organizations.

Contact Optics Valley

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