Award and Fellow Presentations
Join the American Physical Society - Division of Laser Science Awards, IEEE Photonics Society, and The Optical Society as they celebrate the considerable professional achievements of their members. Recognitions include Fellows from each Society, the Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science (APS-DLS), the Andrew S. Grove Award (IEEE PS), and the Charles Hard Townes Medal (OSA).
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Optimizing Career Paths in Optics: The Guide for Young Professionals
Sunday, 9 May, 17:00 – 18:30
Hosted by CLEO
Career planning is very important for young professionals in optics. Different career paths are available, each with its own requirements, challenges, and rewards. We invite you to hear firsthand from your early career and more seasoned colleagues alike about their jobs and the paths they took to get there. Practical questions on how to excel in an optics-related career will be answered in addition to an open Q&A to tackle the questions most pressing to you.
Organizers:
- Christophe Dorrer, University of Rochester, USA
- Natalia Litchinitser, Duke University, USA
- Sergey Polyakov, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
- Stephanie Tomasulo, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, USA
Presenters:
- Andrea Blanco-Redondo, Nokia Bell Labs, USA
- Alan Fry, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, USA
- Randy Giles, The Optical Society, USA
- Daehwan Jung, KIST, Korea
- Gregory Rieker, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
- Jelena Vuckovic, Stanford University, USA
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What’s Next in Integrated Photonics – Hot Topics at CLEO: 2021
Monday, 10 May, 07:00 – 08:00
Join the OSA Integrated Photonics Technical Group for a panel discussion on Monday. Our featured presenters will give their perspective on the exciting research that will be presented at CLEO: 2021. These presentations will be followed by a moderated question and answer session, discussing the highlights in integrated photonics at the conference. This event is an excellent opportunity to hear from experts in the field on exciting new areas in integrated photonics. Panelists include Juejun Hu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Roel Baets, Ghent University; Mercedeh Khajavikhan, University of Southern California; and Rachel Grange, ETH Zurich.
Hosted by: 
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Technology Showcase: Simple Operation & Locking of a Continuously Tunable Laser
Monday, 10 May, 11:15 – 11:35
Toptica Photonics, Inc.: TOPTICA's continuously tunable laser, the CTL, enables mode‐hop‐free wavelength tuning up to 120 nm with narrow linewidth and highest accuracy. In this demo, we show how to operate the laser with the fully digital, low noise and drift DLC pro controller using intuitive touch screen controls. To illustrate the convenient features of the laser and DLC pro controller, the system is connected to a spectroscopy cell and the transmission spectra is measured by a photodiode and recorded by the DLC pro. The ability to review the live data live and use the new Auto-PID feature to lock the laser to a specific laser line will be demonstrated as well. With applications in device characterization, quantum and materials analysis, it is ideal for any application requiring high precision mode-hop free laser operation over a wide tuning range.
Speaker: Rudolf Neuhaus, Toptica Photonics, Inc., Germany
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Technology Showcase: New and Featured Products for Laser Applications
Monday, 10 May, 11:40 – 12:00
OptoSigma Corporation: Join us for an exciting and concise presentation on our newest and featured products, all suitable for research or commercial laser applications. A few examples are the OUCI imaging and laser induction modules, our in-house manufactured UV and NIR Objectives and our expanding product line of MHX Stainless-Steel, high performance mirror mounts. We think you’ll appreciate and enjoy our presentation.
Speaker: Dan Denison, OptoSigma Corporation, USA
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OSA Quantum Optical Science and Technology Technical Group 20x20 Talks
Monday, 10 May, 14:00 – 15:00
This special session hosted by the OSA Quantum Optical Science and Technology Technical Group offers a unique platform for individuals to present their research in a creative and concise fashion that differs from the usual oral or poster session. Join us as selected participants from the technical group showcase their research in a presentation of 20 images. Our presenters will talk along to the images in their presentation as each slide advances automatically after just 20 seconds.
Hosted by: 
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What’s Next in Ultrafast Optical Phenomena – Hot Topics at CLEO: 2021
Tuesday, 11 May, 04:00 – 05:00
Join the OSA Ultrafast Phenomena Technical Group for a panel discussion on Tuesday. Our featured presenters will give their perspectives on the exciting research that will be presented at CLEO 2021. These presentations will be followed by a moderated question and answer session, discussing the highlights in Ultrafast Phenomena at the Conference. This event is an excellent opportunity to hear from experts in the field on exciting new areas in Ultrafast Optical Phenomena. Panelists include Dr. Zsuzsanna Slattery-Major, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenfors, Prof. Julia Mikhailova, Princeton University, Dr. Alicia Palacios, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Prof. Giuseppe Sansone, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
Hosted by: 
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Meet the OSA Journals Editors
Tuesday, 11 May, 04:00 – 05:00
Hosted by OSA
The OSA Publishing journal Editors welcome your questions, ideas, and concerns. Join this online event to learn more about journal acceptance criteria, responding to review requests, addressing reviewer feedback, and other topics of interest. All are welcome!
Moderators:
- Kelly Cohen, The Optical Society, USA
- Alison Taylor, The Optical Society, USA
Panelists:
- Miguel Alonso, University of Rochester, USA
- Alexandra Boltasseva, Purdue University, USA
- Kurt Busch, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
- James Leger, University of Minnesota, USA
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Technology Showcase: A Comprehensive Simulation Environment for Active and Passive Photonic Component Design
Tuesday, 11 May, 07:00 – 07:20
Photon Design: This presentation will introduce you to Photon Design’s innovative simulation tools for the design of photonic components including silicon photonics, AWGs and other waveguide components, semiconductor lasers, optical modulators, as well as complete photonic integrated circuits.
Speaker: Dominic Gallagher, Photon Design, UK
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Technology Showcase: AIM Photonics Integrated Silicon Photonic Chip Fabrication and Test, Assembly & Packaging Offerings
Tuesday, 11 May, 07:20 – 07:40
AIM Photonics: Join us for the latest updates in electronic-photonic design automation, multi project wafer platform offering, as well as test, assembly, and packaging. Learn how this PIC ecosystem enables quick turn photonic development through proof of concept, validation, qualification, and commercialization under one national institute, ensuring manufacturing readiness for years to come.
Speaker: David Harame, AIM Photonics, USA
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Technology Showcase: New Interoperable Software Platform for the Design of Photonic Devices
Tuesday, 11 May, 07:40 – 08:00
VPIphotonics: As a leader in photonic design automation for components, systems and networks, we will introduce a new interoperable software platform for the design of photonic devices, empowering researchers to explore new designs for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) passive components and optical fibers. This new platform streamlines the migration of device-level simulation data into a circuit-level simulator for the design and optimization of PICs. We will give an overview of the new platform and describe how it fits into our current ecosystem of photonic design and simulation tools.\
Speakers: Chris Maloney and Eugene Sokolov, VPIphotonics, USA
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Arthur Ashkin Memorial Symposium
Tuesday, 11 May, 08:00 – 13:00
Hosted by CLEO
This special memorial symposium will describe and honor the contributions of Arthur Ashkin.
Organizers:
- Gary Bjorklund, Bjorklund Enterprises, USA
- Steve Harris, Stanford University, USA
Presenters:
- Aline Ashkin, USA
- John Bjorkholm, Bell Labs, USA
- Gary Bjorklund, Bjorklund Enterprises, USA
- Steve Block, Stanford University, USA
- Gary Boyd, Nokia Bell Labs, USA
- Bob Byer, Stanford University, USA
- Steve Chu, Stanford University, USA
- Joe Dziedzic, Bell Labs, USA
- Rene Essiambre, Nokia Bell Labs, USA
- Steve Harris, Stanford University, USA
- Erich Ippen, MIT, USA
- Elizabeth Rogan, The Optical Society, USA
- Erik Schäffer, University of Tübingen, Germany
- Roger Stolen, Clemson University, USA
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Advancing Mid-Manager Summit: Won't you be my Manager?
Tuesday, 11 May, 09:00 – 11:00
Hosted by OSA
Millions of people have watched the TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” delighting in how its gentle host used stories, dialogue, interaction, and kindness to inspire children and adults alike to change the world. Mr. Rogers employed simple yet powerful techniques to create memorable lessons that have stayed with people for generations. There are some remarkable parallels between his goals and those shared by managers at all levels as they set goals, adapt to changes, and support their people and organizations along the way. After all, truly effective managers know teams and companies thrive when people are encouraged, challenged, and—most importantly—treated with kindness. Join us for this interactive session hosted by the OSA Booth.
Presenter: Alison Torrillo French, Managing Director, Alto Solutions. USA
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Successfully Navigating OSA Virtual Meetings
Tuesday, 11 May, 10:00 – 11:00
The post-COVID world has new challenges in regards to virtual meetings – are you prepared? Listen to Isaiah Hankel, Cheeky Scientist, help guide you through the different platforms OSA uses and how you can effectively network and get the most out of your meeting experience.
Speaker: Isaiah Hankel, Cheeky Scientist, USA
Hosted by: 
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The Brightest Light Initiative: Update on the U.S. Strategy for Intense Ultrafast Lasers
Tuesday, 11 May, 10:00 – 11:00
Hosted by OSA
The U.S. intense ultrafast laser community is pursuing a community strategy to prioritize research and build new facilities. Join the session to learn about progress over the past year and plans to invigorate U.S. research in this exciting field.
Speakers:
- Félicie Albert, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA
- Jon Zuegel, University of Rochester, USA
- Roger Falcone, UC Berkeley, USA
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Discussion of Seminal Papers and Outlook: From Statistical Ray Optics to the Physics of Solar Cells
Tuesday, 11 May, 15:00 – 16:00
Join the OSA Photonic Metamaterials Technical Group for this special session featuring Prof. Eli Yablonovitch from the University of California, Berkeley. Prof. Yablonovitch will be discussing his seminal paper “Statistical Ray Optics” (JOSA, 1982) and will provide insights into what controls the voltage of a solar cell.
Hosted by: 
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PhD-Level Transferrable Skills That Stand Out During Economic Downturns
Wednesday, 12 May, 07:00 – 08:00
Hosted by OSA
The global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company recently released a report showing that there is a 20% deficit in the job market for job candidates who can do two things - research, and analysis. These two transferable skills are key skill that all PhDs have regardless of their background and makes them highly valuable job candidates, especially in times of uncertainty. In this webinar, we will detail the top 10 transferable skills that PhDs need to communicate on their resume and during their job search as a while, as well as the 3 categories of core competencies that PhDs must master and leverage in order to get hired in industry.
Speaker: Isaiah Hankel, Cheeky Scientist, USA
Hosted by:
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Role and Applications of Lasers in Additive Manufacturing
Wednesday, 12 May, 07:00 – 08:00
You are invited to join the OSA Lasers in Manufacturing Technical Group for a panel discussion on the role and application of lasers in additive manufacturing. Our panelists will discuss the applicability of lasers for different additive manufacturing processes, such as laser powder bed fusion process, laser powder directed energy deposition process, and laser wire directed energy deposition process. The panel will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of lasers compared to other energy sources, such as electron beam. Our panelists for this event will include Paul Gradl, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; Ankit Saharan, EOS; Yashwanth Bandari, MELTIO; and Mike Vasquez, 3Degrees Consulting.
Hosted by: 
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Technology Showcase: Going Beyond Laser Test and Measurement: New Power Meters and Energy Meters for Emerging Laser Applications
Wednesday, 12 May, 17:00 – 17:20
Gentec Electro-Optics, Inc.: With recent advances in the science and applications of lasers, emerging applications are now using higher power sources, faster pulsed lasers with high repetition rates, non-conventional wavelengths and increasingly efficient sources. These advances come with new challenges for laser power and energy measurement. At Gentec-EO, we remain on the lookout for new trends and applications, and we adapt our offer to these new opportunities. In this technology showcase, we will present our latest developments in terms of laser measurement instruments: - FASTER energy detectors that can measure pulse-to-pulse energy at higher repetition rates, - SMARTER power meters that communicate via bluetooth to allow for remote monitoring of your laser processes, and TOUGHER high-power detectors that can withstand incredibly high damage thresholds.
Speaker: Félicien Legrand, Gentec Electro-Optics, Inc.
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Technology Showcase: Simulation of Micro-LEDs by Synopsys Photonic Device Tools
Wednesday, 12 May, 17:20 – 17:40
Synopsys: This talk demonstrates how to simulate micro-LEDs with the improved LED Utility in the 2021.03 release of RSoft Photonic Device Tools. It covers both thin-film and nano-wire types of micro-LEDs. Advanced features and tips will be demonstrated to deal with complex structures.
Speaker: Chenglin Xu, Synopsys, Inc., USA
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OSA Nonlinear Optics Technical Group Coffee Break
Thursday, 13 May, 06:00 – 07:00
Join the OSA Nonlinear Optics Technical Group for a virtual coffee break at CLEO. This informal networking session will offer students and junior researchers a chance to connect with senior researchers in the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to move around Zoom breakout rooms to have small group discussions with their fellow nonlinear optics community members.
Hosted by: 
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What Does it Take to be a Quantum (Optical) Engineer?
Thursday, 13 May, 12:00 – 13:30
Hosted by CLEO
In the past, experience in quantum science was only suitable for a handful of academic job openings so that most career advisers recommended removing any mention of this experience from resumes. As the quantum industry is being born, there is a growing demand for qualified personnel. Who are the people who fill these jobs: engineers or scientists? What do they do? Which skills and experiences are most valuable for today's and tomorrow's workforce? Would additional training help? Who is hiring: academia, research labs, large companies, startups, or... perhaps you will identify an entrepreneurial aspiration in yourself? Most importantly, are quantum careers here to stay? Join the panel of experts with diverse backgrounds to find out.
Organizers:
- Peter Fendel, Thorlabs Inc., USA
- Wilhelm Kaenders, TOPTICA Photonics Inc., Germany
- Sergey Polyakov, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
Moderator:
- Josh Nunn, University of Bath, UK
Speakers:
- Dave Bacon, IonQ, USA
- Gretchen Campbell, National Institute of Standards & Technology, USA
- Warren Grice, Qubitekk, Inc., USA
- Wilhelm Kaenders, TOPTICA Photonics Inc., Germany
- Paul Kwiat, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
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Publishing in 2021: challenges and solutions
Thursday, 13 May, 12:00 – 13:30
Hosted by CLEO
Publishing is the main avenue for dissemination of novel ideas and methods, and is often used to measure the productivity of a research group. Therefore, scientific publishing is essential for both career development and successful grant applications. However, with the emergence of many new journals, as well as with the expansion of open access and for-profit publishing, the publishing landscape in optics and photonics is rapidly changing. This workshop, through interaction between the audience and a panel of relevant actors in the publication process, aims to explore the impact of publishing cost, confidentiality barriers, and impact factor, on the progress of optical science and engineering.
Organizers:
- Christophe Dorrer, University of Rochester, USA
- Tara Fortier, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
- Jin Kang, Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Viktor Podolskiy, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA
- Clara Saraceno, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Germany
Moderator:
- Ben Eggleton, University of Sydney, Australia
Speakers:
- Jose Capmany, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain
- Alex Gaeta, Columbia University, USA
- Elizabeth Nolan, The Optical Society, USA
- Anna Peacock, University of Southampton, UK
- Michael Thoennessen, APS Editor-in-Chief, USA
- Rachel Won, Nature Photonics, UK
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Dialogues on Metamaterials: Past, Present, Future
Thursday, 13 May, 12:00 – 13:00
You are invited to join the OSA Photonic Metamaterials Technical Group for a special panel discussion exploring the past, present and future of metamaterials. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from prominent members of the photonic metamaterials community as they discuss emerging, controversial, anecdotal, and active hot topics in the field. Our panelists for this event will include Andrea Alù, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center; Jennifer Dionne, Stanford University; Nader Engheta, University of Pennsylvania; Ari Sihvola, Aalto University; and Isabelle Staude, University of Jena.
Hosted by:
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How can CLEO improve inclusion at its meeting?
Friday, 14 May, 14:00 – 15:30
Hosted by CLEO
While CLEO is committed to improving diversity at its meeting, inclusion is the key to fostering and maintaining vitality in our diverse community. By bringing together experts in diversity, and diverse members of our and other communities, this workshop seeks to understand, hear and learn about what actions the conference can take to improve inclusivity. This workshop is open to all CLEO attendees and it values ALL opinions on the subject. Finally, ideas from this workshop will be used by CLEO's Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Taskforce to help expand its efforts in D&I.
Organizers:
- Tara Fortier, National Institute of Standards & Technology, USA
- Michael Mielke, Iradion Laser Inc., USA
- Rohit Prasankumar, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA
Presenters:
- Peter Delfyett, University of Central Florida, USA
- Theodore Hodapp, APS, USA
- Stefanie Johnson, University of Colorado Leeds Business School, USA
- Gabriel Montano, Northern Arizona University, USA
- Jessie Rosenberg, IBM, USA
- Thomas Searles, Howard University, USA
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