August 2018
Register Today for the APOMA 2018 TECHNICAL WORKSHOP - NIF Tour Registration Extended for US citizens only (limited availability)

October 18-19, 2018
Garré Vineyard & Winery – Livermore, CA

Event registrations are being taken via EventBrite at the following link: REGISTER HERE

Topics address manufacturing process, inspection standards and metrology applicable to laser optics manufacturing. There are also invited talks from the LLNL NIF manufacturing lab. Please click on the links below for each day's complete agenda:

The workshop will also include:
Touring Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory facilities including:
  • NIF
  • Optics Loop
  • Research and Development Facility

Cost: $450.00 per person (to be invoiced per below)

Registration for the 2018 Tech Workshop is only open to APOMA members in good standing (2018 dues paid).  Once your company's membership standing has been confirmed, you will be issued an event registration invoice via Paypal for the attendee fee (no event fee payment will take place via EventBrite). 


Thank you to our Patron event sponsors!
Thank you to our Premier event sponsor Universal Photonics!

Sponsor opportunities still available! 
Click HERE for information!

Comment Period Announced through Commerce TACs on Outdated EAR Entries

As of August 1, 2018, The Technical Advisory Committees of the Department of Commerce are accepting proposals from stakeholders regarding outdated terminology, figures of merit, metrics and/or references to outdated technology within the Commerce Control List (CCL). If you have input regarding lenses and optics impacted by these requirements, please consider responding. Click HERE for complete details.
Update on APOMA's Apprenticeship Effort!

Work has begun on the APOMA Apprenticeship effort! The recommended goals for the initiative are as follows:

  1. APOMA-approved national apprenticeship credential for at least Optics Manufacturing Technician. Others can be added.
  2. Quarterly or ½ year webinar/call-in by interested companies to address: status of national credential, regional report-outs by participants and shared learning, next steps, etc.
  3. Look for grant opportunities and submit application for grants that support someone to work on this in a paid capacity.
  4. Regular update in APOMA e-newsletter, plus article placement in Photonics Spectra and/or other professional periodical.
  5. Increase APOMA membership and participation!

For additional information on the Optimax Systems apprenticeship program currently underway, please click HERE.

Does your company already have an apprenticeship program like this in place? We'd love to hear from you!  Please contact Jim VanKouwenberg at Optimax Systems, email: jvank@optimaxsi.com
Three of the 2017 Optimax Systems
Precision Optics Manufacturing Technician Apprentices