Photonics Conference Marks 50th Anniversary of Semiconductor Laser

August 10, 2012—The 2012 IEEE Photonics Conference (IPC), formerly called the IEEE LEOS Annual Meeting, is scheduled for 23–27 September at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel. The IPC will highlight breakthroughs in the areas of lasers, optoelectronics, fiber-optics and other photonics technologies. In addition to over 500 technical papers, plenary talks, events for students and professionals, and a supplier exhibition, the conference will feature a special section celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the semiconductor laser.

The conference is expected to draw more than 600 photonics professionals involved with technologies and applications including lasers, biophotonics, displays, photodetectors, sensors, imaging systems, integrated optics, photovoltaics, optoelectronics, interconnects, microwave and nanophotonic devices and systems, non-linear and ultrafast optics, optical fiber communications, planar waveguide technology and many others.

“For many years, the IEEE Photonics Conference has been one of the world’s leading forums for photonics engineers, technologists and suppliers to present, discuss, display and debate important developments essential for progress in this critical field,” said Dalma Novak, IPC-2012 general chair and vice president at Pharad, LLC (Glen Burnie, Md.). “IPC-2012 continues that tradition. The fusion of cutting-edge scientific research and critical industrial innovations evident in this year’s technical program will provide attendees with the information they need to stay in the front ranks of their fields.”

 On Sunday evening, 23 September, a session and reception marks the 50^th Anniversary of the semiconductor laser, first demonstrated in 1962 by Robert Hall and associates at General Electric laboratories (Schenectady, N.Y.).  To celebrate the occasion, several renowned laser pioneers, including James Coleman, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne; Thomas Koch, University of Arizona (Tucson, Ariz.); and Don Scifres, SDL Ventures Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) will provide historical perspectives and share their experiences regarding the development of semiconductor laser technology.