From The Editor | April 5, 2024

SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing: Uniting The Photonics Industry And Business

John Headshot cropped 500 px wide

By John Oncea, Editor

Conference hall-GettyImages-1275764966

Bringing industry and key stakeholders together to ensure that both the optics and photonics industry and the U.S. Government are positioned to take advantage of each other’s strengths and ongoing programs.

Are you familiar with the English proverb “April showers bring May flowers?” The common interpretation is a period of discomfort or hardship can provide the basis for a period of happiness and joy.

Nobody wishes you any discomfort or hardship over the next couple of weeks but, should you experience any, rest easy knowing that “happiness and joy” are coming in the form of the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Show.

This year’s event, running from April 21 to 25, is being held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, and promises to feature mission-critical sensing innovation from the commercial sector. As usual, SPIE is bringing experts, researchers, and industry professionals in sensing, imaging, and photonics technologies, as well as key suppliers showcasing emerging technologies and capability-enhancing features.

Let’s take a look at this year’s show, but first, a one-question quiz. If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims!

The Program

The SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Show will showcase how the optics and photonics industry can partner with the U.S. Government to enhance technological advancements in many critical and emerging application areas. The 2024 program — 40 conferences and 20 courses — presents the latest advancements in sensors, infrared, laser systems, spectral imaging, radar, LiDAR, autonomous systems, and other findings within the community.

There are three plenary events on the docket as well. Monday features a symposium panel on microelectronics commercial crossover, Tuesday’s general session features Symposium chairs Tien Pham and Doug Droege as well as a live audience Q&A, and Wednesday’s event will focus on AI/ML and sustainability.

The Exhibition

The exhibition component of the event runs Tuesday through Thursday and offers the opportunity to find solutions, components, instruments, and system providers from around the world. Featured technologies include:

  • Cameras and imaging systems
  • Detectors and sensors
  • Optical components—lenses, filters, mirrors, misc.
  • Software
  • Lasers and systems
  • Computing and data processing hardware
  • Test and measurement equipment
  • Optical coatings and thin films
  • Laser components, accessories, and laser systems
  • Electronic and digital imaging equipment
  • Electronic components
  • Optomechanical components and devices
  • Spectroscopy devices and equipment
  • Fiber optics and accessories
  • LEDs, OLEDs, and non-laser light sources
  • Positioning equipment
  • Electrical and signal analysis equipment
  • Displays
  • Materials, abrasives, and chemicals
  • Nanotechnology products

What Others Are Saying

SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing will “focus on funding, technology needs, and engagement with government agencies,” writes Optics.org. “Speakers and panelists will address topics such as funding opportunities; optimal ways to access government agencies’ support; current technological and engineering requirements; and supporting and building an innovative and technologically skilled workforce.”

Optics.org goes on the highlight the keynote speakers, writing:

  • Director of the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office Mark F. Spencer on an overview of his office which funds basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development in optics and photonics with academic, industry, and government partners.
  • The National Science Foundation’s Director of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Vincent Lee on “Accelerating Research to Impact.”
  • ARPA-E’s Associate Director of Technology and Program Director Jenifer Shafer on “Opportunities for Innovative Sensing and Imaging Technologies at ARPA-E;” and
  • NASA Industry Engagement Lead and Senior Technical Advisor Alexandra Hale on “Embracing the Aerospace Community Through Strategic Engagement.”

Whether you’re interested in attending the conferences, taking courses, or exploring the exhibition, the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Show provides a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the defense and security communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in sensing technologies!