Optifab 2023: Who, What, Where, When, And Why
By John Oncea, Editor
Rochester, New York will be the site for SPIE Optifab 2023. Check out all you need to know about North America’s largest optical manufacturing conference and exhibition.
SPIE Optifab 2023, the largest optical manufacturing conference and exhibition in North America, is coming to Rochester, N.Y. starting October 16 and running through 19. Organized jointly by SPIE and APOMA, Optifab is your opportunity to attend technical programs, hear about the latest research, and learn about the latest technologies in optical fabrication.
The conference will feature commercial presentations from leading optical companies on topics such as new developments in optical materials; new developments in freeform surface design, fabrication, and measurement; advanced optical fabrication equipment; and coating equipment. The exhibition will include over 100 exhibiting companies, product demonstrations, and a job fair.
What To Expect
Optifab has a unique technical focus on classical and advanced optical manufacturing technologies. It offers conference attendees an opportunity to report on new research and interact with worldwide experts in the field of optical fabrication.
There are a dozen sessions scheduled, as well as a Poster/Networking Reception that symposium attendees are invited to attend on Wednesday evening. The reception provides an opportunity for attendees to meet with colleagues, network, view poster papers, and interact with the authors, and attendees are required to wear their conference registration badges.
Special events for SPIE Optifab, from plenary to technical events, to the exhibition opening, take place on October 17 and 18 – including the 25th Annual Photonics Clambake. Courses also will be offered by SPIE including Fundamentals of Optical Manufacturing, Practical Aspects of Diamond Point Turning, and Introduction to Mid-Spatils Frequency (MSF) Errors.
Don’t Forget The Exhibition
The exhibition takes place over the event’s final three days, October 17 through 19, and promises to offer precision optics machines, discussions with optical manufacturing experts, and opportunities to build important relationships that benefit your work. Expectations are more than 150 companies will be exhibiting, featuring technologies such as:
- Optical fabrication equipment
- Optical components, materials, and systems
- Opto-mechanical components and devices
- Laser system components
- Optical thin film coatings
- Optical metrology and testing equipment
- Software, adhesives, glass, and consumables
The Brains Behind Optifab
Optifab is made possible by collaboration between SPIE and the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA). SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, bringing engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. Over the past five years, SPIE has contributed more than $22 million to the international optics community through advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public policy development.
APOMA, celebrating its 30th year, represents a broad constituency of precision optics manufacturers and the supporting industry, along with academic associates whose mutual interest is the advancement and expansion of optics manufacturing and technology. APOMA supports the common interests of its members, far more important than the small differences that have been for too long fragmented the industry.