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Optics Valley FOCUS
March 2026
| Optics Valley is a Committee of the Arizona Technology Council | | |
Greetings!
Optics Valley continues to gain momentum with a series of exciting developments that highlight the strength and growing visibility of Arizona’s optics and photonics community. From Rocket Lab’s acquisition of Optical Support, Inc. to recognition in BizTucson and prestigious industry honors for community leaders, these milestones reflect both the innovation and collaboration driving the region forward. Together, they underscore the critical role our members play in advancing next-generation technologies and shaping the future of optics.
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Rocket Lab Acquires Optical Support Inc.
Congratulations to Optics Valley member company Optical Support, Inc. (OSI) and Rocket Lab on the successful completion of this exciting acquisition. By bringing OSI’s high-precision optical and optomechanical expertise into its growing portfolio, Rocket Lab continues to strengthen its vertically integrated space systems capabilities and expand its impact in national security and advanced satellite missions. This milestone not only highlights the critical role of optics in next-generation space technologies, but also underscores the strength of Arizona’s optics community in enabling mission-critical innovations.
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Optics Valley Gains Recognition in BizTucson
Recent issues of BizTucson have spotlighted the growing impact of Arizona’s optics and photonics community, featuring Optics Valley as part of its “Silicon Desert” coverage highlighting the region’s tech-driven clusters. In addition, Optics Valley Chair Katie Schwertz was named a 2026 NextGen Leader, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the industry. Together, these features underscore the increasing visibility of Optics Valley and its role in driving technological excellence and collaboration across the region.
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Dr. Jim Burge Receives Prestigious
SPIE Award For Optical Metrology
On behalf of Optics Valley, congratulations to Dr. Jim Burge on receiving the 2026 SPIE Chandra S. Vikram Award in Optical Metrology! Jim Burge is the President of Optics Valley member company Arizona Optical Metrology and is a professor emeritus at the UA Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The award recognizes his lifetime achievements in optical metrology with astronomical instrumentation innovations, technology commercialization, and career-long mentorship, guidance, and team-building in the precision optics and astronomy communities.
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Women and their Influence on Optics Valley’s Origins
Long time Optics Valley member and supporter Bob Parks, owner of Optical Perspectives Group, shares an article he wrote in honor of Women’s History Month about two influential women with their fingerprints on the origins of Optics Valley.
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Building Bridges of Innovation in Photonics Between Israel and the US
This webinar on April 16 will bring together leading photonics clusters from across the U.S., including Arizona, Montana, and Florida, alongside Israel’s dynamic photonics ecosystem, with the goal of building bridges of innovation and fostering meaningful binational collaborations. Come learn about the upcoming BIRD Foundation Call for Proposal and explore access to non-dilutive funding to support joint R&D initiatives.
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Arizona Tech Week
Register for Arizona Tech Week to start building your schedule filled with future-forward keynotes and panels, engaging pitch competitions, Arizona-specific experiences and more. More events are being added to the calendar every week. Keep checking in to pick the events that are best for you. We hope you'll join Optics Valley members for Stargazing with Steward Observatory!
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Annual Directed Energy
Science and Technology Symposium
DIRECTED ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
El Conquistador Hotel, Tucson, AZ
Mar 30 - Apr 2
The Symposium will bring together a wide range of specialists including: researchers, managers, policy makers, and executives from government institutions (DoW, DoE and other national laboratories, program offices, the intelligence community, etc.), industry, academia, and other scientific and engineering institutions.
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Laser Fun Day
University of Arizona, Wyant College of Optical Sciences. Meinel Optical Sciences Building,
1630 E. University Blvd., Tucson AZ
April 4, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Laser Fun Day (LFD) is a free, annual, public community event hosted by the Student Optics Chapter at the University of Arizona. LFD gives our community, particularly the youth, a chance to see how optics is changing the world and hopes to inspire the future of the optics industry.
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AZ Tech Week
Various Locations in Arizona
April 6 - 12
As Arizona's first statewide decentralized tech conference, Arizona Tech Week will feature exciting experiences hosted by community leaders across the state. Attend events or host your own to catalyze new ideas, connect with peers and get inspired—all while enjoying different regions throughout Arizona.
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Optics Valley Member Meeting, Q2 2026
Pima Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Building, 1255 N 10th Ave. *West Side of Campus*
3rd Floor - Azurite Room, Tucson, AZ 85709
April 14, 3:00-5:00 PM MST
Please note this meeting is intended for Optics Valley members and invited guests.
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Society for Information Display (SID)
Display Week
Los Angeles, CA
Education: May 3-5, Exhibits: May 5-7
Explore what’s next in AI-driven imaging, XR, automotive, emissive materials, and much more.
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International Day of Light Celebration
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ
May 17, 10:00AM - 5:00PM
This free, family-friendly STEM event, presented by Optics Valley, offers a captivating experience for all ages.
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Our mission is to catalyze, convene and connect optics, photonics, astronomy and the supporting business interests throughout Arizona. Let us know how we can help your company grow.
Thank you,
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Optics Valley FOCUS Newsletter Sign Up
If you know others who might be interested in Optics Valley news and events, please feel free to share. If you received your FOCUS newsletter secondhand, please use the link above to sign up.
FOCUS is a summary of business news and events for the optics, photonics and astronomy sectors in Arizona. Please send your submissions for recommended inclusion to focus@opticsvalleyaz.org.
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