Out of a meeting of a little group of men in Rochester, New York in December, 1916 grew three institutions that have shaped the growth of optics for the past century: the Optical Society, the Journal of the Optical Society of America, and The Institute of Optics.  In this lecture we will follow the educational arm of this triad, The University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, from this meeting through its approaching centennial. We will go from balloon flights to study the ozone layer in the 1930s, through the exciting days of the 40’s, when it was the leading academic optical research center for the war effort, through the development of coherence theory and quantum optics, to today when The Institute along with its associated Laboratory of Laser Energetics and Center for Visual Science make up one of the largest academic programs in optics in the country, source of nearly half of all degrees in optics in the country.

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The amateur telescope making movement in the United States has had an incalculable positive influence on American science, engineering, and education starting from the early decades of the 19th century.  Highlights of the history are especially strong in their connection to New England and New York.  Many leading builders of American research telescopes started as self-taught hobbyists who expanded their enterprise into professional occupation.  The resulting instrumentation allowed an ascendancy in American astronomy and astrophysics in the late 19th century that continued through the 20th and onward.  The stories of the colorful people involved, the noble instruments constructed, and the adventurous discoveries resulting continue to engage and inspire students of all ages.

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Your Career, strategies and opportunities in Optics and Photonics during the time of Covid and beyond.

-State of Play, where is the market for career opportunities? Who is hiring and why?

-Trends for the Market, the next 6-12 mos.

-Personal Career Strategies

-The New Normal, Zoom interviewing, in person activities, the future of the workplace

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Dick Whitney (Executive Director of the Optical Heritage Museum in Southbridge) will examine the rich heritage of American Optical, from its founding in 1833 until today.  With a combination of museum photos and images from the Museum archives, the presentation will rely heavily on highlighting several key optical contributions. While it is most famous for its contributions to the Ophthalmic Industry, both Fiber Optics and Laser development began at AO as did Todd-AO wide screen movie projection.

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