Newsletter | January 21, 2026

01.21.26 -- SPIE Photonics West Opens: Quantum, Vision Tech & 1,200+ Exhibitors Take the Stage

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Iridian Spectral Technologies

Leading edge, custom optical filter solutions for a better, smarter, and more connected world. Iridian is a global leader in designing and manufacturing wavelength-selective optical filters and precision components for communications, earth observation, spectroscopy, and semiconductor markets. From prototype to high-volume production, we deliver innovation and reliability that empower next-generation technologies.

FROM THE EDITOR

SPIE Photonics West is in full swing, bringing together the global optics and photonics community for the industry’s most significant annual gathering. The event launched on Saturday with technical conferences and courses spanning six major application areas: BiOS, LASE, OPTO, Quantum West, AR|VR|MR, and the new Vision Tech track highlighting AI-driven imaging and 3D sensing.

 

The week began with the BiOS Expo on Jan. 17-18, highlighting transformative biomedical optics technologies from over 150 suppliers. More than 100 technical conferences are presenting innovative research, with presentations covering topics from multiphoton microscopy to quantum-enabled materials. Over 1,200 companies are participating across five focused exhibitions, including the debut of the Vision Tech Expo.

 

Today marks a highlight of the conference with several major events. The prestigious SPIE Prism Awards gala evening will honor 24 finalist products across eight categories, including biophotonic instruments, lasers, and quantum technologies. Additionally, the SPIE Startup Challenge finals will conclude, highlighting light-based technology ventures competing for top prizes.

 

The main exhibition floors continue operating with live product demonstrations, Vision Tech presentations on multiple expo stages, and the Job Fair at the new Career Hub, providing comprehensive networking and professional development opportunities for all attendees.

FEATURED ATTENDEES

Flow Cytometry Filters With High-Performance Bandpass Optical Technology

See more across the spectrum with Semrock Nanopede™ bandpass filters. Designed for flow cytometry, they deliver precise, full-spectrum coverage, high blocking, and reliable performance for demanding applications.

Showcasing New APD At SPIE 2026

ODD-APD-002 avalanche photodiode delivers high responsivity, low noise, and fast response for precise 905 nm LiDAR, ToF, and autonomous sensing applications across automotive and industrial systems.

SPONSOR

Sensors Unlimited’s eSWIR 640CSX+MMT Camera

The eSWIR 640CSX+MMT represents the latest in eSWIR 2D imaging – up to 2.2 µm spectral response with multi-mode tracking (MMT) for ALPD and decoding of multiple asynchronous sources, simultaneously. It’s designed for covert applications, supporting day/night operations with enhanced image quality and real-time, field-ready performance. SUI’s patented pixel architecture maximizes signal capture across infinite analog gain states. This innovative method allows for precise identification of various laser aim points.

NEWS

EPIGAP OSA's SMD SWIR LEDs With Highest Output Power Now Features Extended Product Ranges

A new generation of SMD SWIR LEDs delivers industry-leading output power and an expanded 700–1650 nm range for demanding sensing, machine vision, and gas-sensing applications.

MKS Inc. Unveils Photonics Solutions To Advance AI, Quantum & Biotech

MKS showcases next-generation photonics at Photonics West 2026, highlighting innovations in AI, quantum, and biophotonics with solutions from Newport, Ophir, and Spectra-Physics at Booth 927.

ALIO Unveils RTS Measurement-Grade XY Stages With Lead Times Measured in Weeks

ALIO launches Ready to Ship, offering access to metrology-grade monolithic XY stages with sub-micron accuracy, enabling OEMs to accelerate photonics, life sciences, and semiconductor programs.

Schneider Optics Announces Appointment Of Stuart Singer As SPIE Fellow

Optics veteran Stuart Singer brings 45 years of leadership spanning lens design, manufacturing, vision systems, and cinema technology, with award-winning innovations and SPIE Fellow recognition.

Coming Soon: Alecs - The All-In-One Machine Vision Solution

Alecs is an Open Smart Camera that combines the feature-rich Alvium camera platform with the powerful NVIDIA® Jetson Orin NX™ System on Module (SoM) in a robust IP67 housing. 

G&H Awarded Certificate Of Appreciation By NEC Space Technologies

Space-qualified optical amplifiers enabled inter-satellite laser links, earning recognition for advancing high-speed GEO–LEO communications and paving the way for future space-to-ground optical networks.

Breakthrough Dual Purpose AOTF Hyperspectral Imagers

AOTF-based hyperspectral spectropolarimeter combines imaging and polarimetry in one rugged, solid-state instrument.

New Pyroelectric Detector DSV-7341: Detectivity Meets Stability

DLaTGS-based PYRONEER detectors deliver FTIR sensitivity, while an upcoming thermally stabilized design uses integrated TEC and NTC control to maintain accuracy.

Wasatch Joins The FOSS Family

We are excited to share that FOSS, a global, family-owned leader in analytical solutions, has acquired Wasatch Photonics.

Innovative Chip-on-Tip Camera Incorporates Digital Horizon Correction

Canon's Video Sensing Devices group will demonstrate its latest chip-on-tip camera innovation. Stop by Canon'sbooth #1943 to learn more.

SPIE, UNC-Charlotte Announce Fund For Doctoral-Research Scholarships

The SPIE Emerging Innovators in Optical Science and Engineering Scholarships will support two PhD students in the university’s Optical Science and Engineering program.

Navitar Zoom 7000-2 VIS SWIR Macro Imaging System

The same precision zoom and parfocal performance as the standard Zoom 7000-2 model, but with optics optimized for both visible and SWIR.

Let's meet at Photonics West 2026

Gentec-EO will be at Photonics West in San Francisco again this year. Will you?

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