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Greetings!

Arizona’s optics and photonics community is buzzing with activity! This month’s update highlights the fast-approaching Arizona Photonics Days 2026 abstract deadline, your last chance to share your work on the state’s biggest optics stage. Plus, catch up on Optics Valley’s activities at SEMICON West, exhibit opportunities at Photonics West, and important ways you can help shape our strategic direction for the next three years.

Be part of FOCUS. Send your member news submissions, comments and suggestions to focus@opticsvalleyaz.org.

Optics Valley at SEMICON West

Optics Valley was proud to be a part of Arizona’s optics and photonics community at SEMICON West this year! This conference is the premier microelectronics exhibition in North America and SEMI's decision to host this conference in Phoenix for the first time highlights the industry’s expansion in the area. Since 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 60 expansions in the semiconductor industry with more than $205B in investment. Many of our members were on the show floor exhibiting, presenting, and showcasing our strengths in advanced photonics technologies. Our activities included:

🔹 A panel discussion highlighting how semiconductors power Arizona’s

growing optics and photonics industry

🔹 A networking and B2B knowledge-sharing session with our counterparts

from the Netherlands optics cluster

🔹 A trilateral meeting between delegations from the Netherlands, Taiwan, and

Arizona to celebrate our existing partnerships and explore new

opportunities for collaboration

Arizona Photonics Days 2026:

Last Chance to Submit Abstracts!

Abstract submissions for Arizona Photonics Days 2026 are due by October 31, 2025. Industry scientists and engineers are invited to submit abstracts in one of six conference tracks - Biomedical Technology, Astronomy, Metrology and Systems Integration, Laser Technology, Photonic Integrated Circuits and Sensors, and Quantum technology.

Selected presentations will showcase new techniques, processes, trends and insights that advance the scope and impact of optics and photonics technologies across industrial, commercial, and scientific applications.



Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of optics and photonics in Arizona!

Last Chance: Optics Valley Needs Your Input!

Optics Valley has recently established an Advisory Team and is working to develop a strategic plan focused on the next three years. To ensure this plan reflects the needs and priorities of our community, we are seeking your input. We invite you to complete a short, anonymous survey that will only take about 5 minutes. Your feedback is important and will directly help shape the future of Optics Valley. We want to be sure we're serving your needs! Thank you in advance for your participation and support.

Exhibit Opportunity at Photonics West

One 10' x 10' booth is still available in the Arizona Cluster at Photonics West. Exhibitors in the cluster receive 10% off SPIE non-member pricing, making this a great opportunity to showcase your company alongside Arizona’s leading optics and photonics organizations at the industry’s premier event.



This opportunity is first come, first served - contact us today to avoid missing out!

Dr. Mark F. Spencer Joins

Wyant College of Optical Sciences

Optics Valley extends a warm welcome to Dr. Mark F. Spencer, who recently joined the Wyant College of Optical Sciences as Professor and Robert M. Edmund Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences. Dr. Spencer brings a distinguished background in defense research and optical engineering, having most recently served as the Principal Director for Directed Energy within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

He was also an Adjunct Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology and a recognized leader in the field, a senior member of Optica and a fellow of SPIE.

Welcome New Optics Valley Members!

Vigo Photonics is a global leader in designing and developing photonic systems and components for various industries. They build tools for many diverse industries, specifically engineered to meet customer needs and to overcome the most challenging problems. Their detectors are utilized in many fields, such as research and development, healthcare, security and defense, manufacturing, transportation, and environmental protection. Not only do they support and develop their solutions in well-known applications, but they’re pioneering new possibilities for use of their systems.

Other Items of Interest:

• AZTC Establishes Emerging Leaders Council - now accepting applications 
• CHIPS R&D Office Issues Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting proposals for advanced microelectronics
• University of Arizona Distinguished Lecture Series - The State of the Universe - Thurs Oct 23 



Governor's Celebration of Innovation



Chateau Luxe, 1175 E Lone Cactus Dr, Phoenix, AZ

Nov 12, 4:45-8:30pm

ODF ‘26

15th International Conference on

Optics-Photonics Design and Fabrication

Toyama, Japan

June 3 - 5, 2026

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,

Optics Valley FOCUS Newsletter Sign Up

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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.