SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics

10/06/2026

Antarctic ice is helping scientists explore the universe in a new way.

Francis Halzen has received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and for discovering high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

Read more here: https://spie.org/news/francis-halzen-receives-nobel-prize-in-physics-2026?utm_campaign=spie-news&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

10/05/2026

The universe is getting a new set of eyes. 🔭👀

NASA has selected the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) to move into preliminary design and technology development as the first mission in the new Probe Explorers class.

PRIMA will give astronomers access to far-infrared wavelengths, helping address the “FIR gap” in our view of the universe.

A special section of features 38 peer-reviewed papers exploring PRIMA’s scientific vision, technical architecture, and instrumentation, including the FIRESS spectrometer and PRIMAger far-infrared instrument: https://spie.org/news/jatis-special-section-highlights-prima-mission-as-nasa-selects-it-for-first-probe-explorers-mission?utm_campaign=spie-news&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

10/02/2026

Have you registered for and Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing? 🤔🗻

At these events, you can meet research scientists, engineers, and industry leaders to discuss progress in advanced sensor systems, remote sensing technologies, atmospheric monitoring applications, and more.

Register for one of these conferences to gain admission to both, plus the co-located Photonics Innovation exhibition!

We hope to see you in Yokohama, Japan, from 9-12 November 2026. Find program information here: https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/future-sensing-technologies?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

10/01/2026

A new resource for optics and photonics education and research is now open in Ghana! 🔬✨

The Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL), an SPIE-funded initiative, officially opened at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on 22 September, bringing new opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and collaboration in West Africa.

The lab is equipped with optical measurement and educational kits, multispectral spectrometers, optical tweezers, 3D printers, and more.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to build lasting photonics capacity in the region and connect Ghana's growing photonics community with researchers worldwide.

Read the full article here: https://spie.org/news/ghana-photonics-and-optics-laboratory-launches-with-celebration-and-a-new-future-for-photonics-in-africa?utm_campaign=spie-news&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

Photo credit: Michael Kwame Dakwa, Team1000words Ltd.

09/28/2026

Will you be joining us for in Prague, Czech Republic? 🏰📒

Running from 5-8 April 2027, this conference is your chance to connect with peers and share your latest research on the technology, integration, and application of and devices.

The is open until 4 November 2026. Learn more here on our website: https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/optics-and-optoelectronics?utm_campaign=eoo&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

09/24/2026

In 2022, astronomers detected GRB 221009A, a gamma-ray burst so bright that researchers nicknamed it the “brightest of all time,” or the BOAT. 😎

Its signal was detected across the electromagnetic spectrum, giving scientists an unprecedented look at the aftermath of a massive star collapsing into a black hole.

The BOAT was about 2,000 times brighter than a typical gamma-ray burst, and its effects were powerful enough to produce measurable changes in Earth’s ionosphere.

Interested in learning more? Check out the September/October issue of : https://spie.org/news/photonics-focus/septemberoctober-2026/a-brightness-like-no-other?utm_campaign=photonics-focus&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

09/23/2026

“This is the closest I get to come to living out my childhood ‘Star Wars’ fantasies,” says Aaron Liberman of becoming a scientist.

Liberman, a 2025 and Scholarship recipient, is a PhD student studying laser-matter interaction physics.

One of his favorite pastimes? Sitting in the work lounge and getting "drawn into vigorous conversations about the latest advances in trapped-ion qubits or the newest innovations in high-harmonic generation.” That's why he makes a great scientist! 🤓

Read his story here:

PhD Student Aaron Liberman believes studying optics and photonics can change the world

09/22/2026

It's finally here! Order or download your free copy of the 2027 SPIE Notebook today. 😄📒

Be sure to read all the incredible profiles while you're visiting our website. https://spie.org/community-support/community-engagement/women-in-optics/2027-wio-notebook?utm_campaign=membership&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

09/21/2026

Share your research at , 22–25 March 2027 in Vancouver, BC, Canada! 📝

Explore opportunities to present your work in soft robotics, wearable biosensors, digital twins, intelligent materials, sensing systems, nondestructive evaluation, and more.

Abstracts are due by 30 September 2026. 🚨

Browse the call for papers: https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/smart-structures-nde?utm_campaign=ss&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook

09/20/2026

Could a tiny photonic device help astronomers see what traditional telescopes cannot? 🔭

Explore how photonic lanterns are opening new possibilities for seeing the sky in the latest issue of : https://spie.org/news/photonics-focus/septemberoctober-2026/seeing-the-sky-in-a-new-way?utm_campaign=photonics-focus&utm_medium=campaign-social&utm_source=facebook