Newsletter | January 23, 2026

01.23.26 -- SPIE Photonics West 2026 Wrap: Key Trends In Quantum, AI Vision & Laser Technology

SPONSOR

The NOVA™ polishing system will be in action at Photonics West

Visit KrellTech at booths 1922 & 1923 to see precision systems designed to shape, polish, and inspect photonic components with repeatable, production-ready results. KrellTech manufactures advanced polishing systems for bare fiber, connectors, PICs/waveguides, medical probes, and more. Our innovative systems integrate polishing with in-line inspection, providing immediate feedback, reduced handling, and increased throughput. Flexible, configurable, and automated platforms support both R&D and high-volume production.

FROM THE EDITOR

Photonics West concluded yesterday after six days of groundbreaking presentations, exhibitions, and networking. The event delivered on its reputation as the world's premier photonics gathering, bringing together researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to advance the field through collaboration and innovation.

 

This year's event highlighted significant momentum in several key technological areas. The debut Vision Tech Expo highlighted the convergence of intelligent imaging, AI-driven sensing, and 3D vision systems, with more than 50 expert speakers addressing applications from autonomous vehicles to surgical endoscopes. Quantum West demonstrated the rapid maturation of quantum technologies, featuring advances in single-photon detection, quantum sensing platforms, and quantum communication systems. The expanded technical program covered critical topics, including silicon photonics for data centers, miniaturized thermal imaging breakthroughs using SPAD and LiDAR technologies, and next-generation AR/VR optical systems pushing toward mass adoption.

 

Over 1,200 companies exhibited their latest solutions while more than 100 technical conferences presented innovative research spanning biomedical optics, industrial lasers, optoelectronics, and quantum applications. As attendees return to their organizations, the connections forged and insights gained at Photonics West 2026 will continue driving innovation throughout the year, reinforcing the event's essential role in shaping the future of optics and photonics.

FEATURED ATTENDEES

Empowering Spectroscopy Solutions

Experience high-speed spectroscopy. This compact, powerful platform offers minimal stray light and seamless compatibility for customized, high-resolution optical measurements in demanding environments.

Beyond Borders

Laser technology drives critical advancements. By exceeding standard specifications, high-precision optoelectronic components can turn ambitious technical visions into functional, real-world innovations.

XPLAN CCG Lens Series

The Melles Griot XPLAN Lens Series fluorescence microscope imaging systems enable the rapid development of breadboard instruments for next-gen sequencing, proteomics, and spatial biology applications.

SPONSOR

Precision Glass & Optics (PG&O®) has been delivering high-performance optical components for over 40 years. From prototypes to production runs of 100,000+ parts per month, PG&O offers complete in-house manufacturing and coating in Santa Ana, California. Our optics are trusted in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications worldwide. With tolerances as tight as λ/40 and surface quality to 10/5 scratch-dig, we don’t just meet specifications—we exceed our customers’ expectations. Visit www.pgo.com to learn more.

NEWS

SPIE Announces Best New Photonics Products At Its Annual Prism Awards

The industry-focused awards recognized innovations in areas such as lasers, quantum tech, sensors, optical materials and components, and XR tech.

ALIO Introduces Precision Granite-Based Motion For Imaging, Processing

ALIO unveils Precision Granite-Based Motion, an integrated monolithic XY and Z motion stack on granite, delivering metrology-grade accuracy, stability, and faster integration for photonics tools.

Coherent Introduces Fieldmax Touch And Fieldmax Touch Pro

Coherent Corp. announced the launch of FieldMax Touch and FieldMax Touch Pro, a new family of compact, rugged laser power and energy meters.

MKS Announces Newport Advanced Benchtop Optical Power Meters

MKS launches Newport 1940-R and 2940-R benchtop optical power meters, delivering fast, low-noise, fully calibrated measurements for R&D labs and high-volume photonics production environments.

Edmund Optics Expands High-Performance HP Series

In-stock 6.5mm lens delivers high-resolution performance for factory automation and machine vision systems requiring shorter working distances

See You at BiOS & Photonics West 2026

Find NKT Photonics A/S at booth 8401/3401!

Vertical Translation Stages With Magnetic Counterbalance

PI expands its precision motion portfolio with the V-571.Z vertical translation stage, delivering direct-drive performance, adjustable magnetic counterbalance, and nanometer accuracy.

Modulight Expands DBR MOPA Portfolio With Fiber-Coupled System

Modulight, a leading provider of advanced laser solutions, is proud to announce additions to its single-frequency DBR MOPA laser product family, based on the robust and tailorable ML6600 platform.

Jenoptik To Showcase Advanced Innovative Solutions At Photonics West

The globally operating photonics group is presenting solutions for optics, sensor technology, and metrology at the SPIE Photonics West trade fair.

New companion software for MIRO ALTITUDE

Gentec-EO announces the release of MIRADOR, a PC-based companion software designed to extend the capabilities of MIRO ALTITUDE.

HORIBA Introduces Compact Spectrometer Platform

HORIBA has developed the PoliSpectra® 27, a compact, lightweight industrial spectrometer platform designed to support high-volume manufacturing and integration into hyperspectral imaging systems.

Custom Photolithography Services For Advanced Optical Applications

Reynard provides in-house custom photolithography services to produce high-precision patterned optics.

New Pixelink PL-U Compact USB 3.0 Camera Series

Pixelink’s PL-U Series sets a new standard for high-performance USB 3.0 machine vision cameras.

MKS Announces Ophir Colloidal Quantum Dot Beam Profiler

MKS Inc. has announced the Ophir SP301Q CQD Beam Profiler at SPIE Photonics West 2026.

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