National Photonics Initiative, Edmund Optics Host US Congresswoman Martha McSally

The National Photonics Initiative (NPI), an alliance of top scientific societies uniting industry and academia to raise awareness of photonics, and Edmund Optics (EO), the premier provider of optical components, today welcomed US Congresswoman Martha McSally (R-AZ) to the company’s Tucson Research and Design Center to showcase Southern Arizona’s strength in optics and photonics – the science and application of light.

“On behalf of Edmund Optics and the National Photonics Initiative, it was a privilege to host Rep. McSally today and showcase to her how optics and photonics in Arizona is enabling innovation across the country and around the world,” said Edmund Optics CEO and Chairman Robert Edmund. “Edmund Optics is proud to collaborate with state and national institutions and organizations to advance this critical field, and we appreciate the time Congresswoman McSally devoted today to learning more about existing and next generation photonics applications.”

Edmund Optics products harness optics and photonics for a variety of applications ranging from DNA sequencing to retinal eye scanning to high-speed factory automation. Founded in 1942, Edmund Optics has grown from a one-man operation to a global organization supporting the R&D, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biomedical and military markets around the word. The Tucson Research and Design Center houses a custom optical and opto-mechanical research and development group, applications engineering, sales, and customer support. Through this Center, Edmund Optics collaborates closely with the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences and the Arizona Technology Council to promote optics and photonics R&D and technical training.

“It is amazing to think that cutting-edge, American innovation in optics and photonics is being driven by Edmund Optics right here in Tucson,” said Congresswoman McSally. “I appreciated this opportunity to tour this local business and see first-hand how Edmund Optics and the NPI are working to improve our community and enable applications that are benefiting our nation’s health, security and competitiveness.”

Through the NPI, Edmund Optics is working to raise awareness about photonics and unite academia, industry and government experts to identify and advance areas of photonics critical to maintaining US competitiveness and national security: advanced manufacturing, communication and information technology, defense and national security, energy, health and medicine, education and workforce training, and quantum science and technology. Increased investment in science R&D; greater collaboration between academia, industry and government; and a focused effort to train skilled workers for the increasing number of jobs in the field of optics and photonics will continue to expand this field.

About the NPI:

The National Photonics Initiative (NPI) is a collaborative alliance among industry, academia and government seeking to raise awareness of photonics and the impact of photonics on our everyday lives; increase cooperation and coordination among US industry, government and academia to advance photonics-driven fields; and drive US funding and investment in areas of photonics critical to maintaining US economic competitiveness and national security. The initiative is being led by a coalition of scientific societies, including the American Physical Society (APS), the IEEE Photonics Society, the Laser Institute of America (LIA), the Optical Society (OSA) and SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. For more information, visit www.LightOurFuture.org.

About Edmund Optics:

Edmund Optics^® is a leading supplier of optics, imaging, and photonics technology for the Life Sciences, Biomedical, Semiconductor, R&D, and Defense markets around the globe. Edmund Optics designs and manufactures a wide array of multi-element lenses, lens coatings, imaging systems, and optomechanical equipment, while supporting OEM applications with volume production of both stock and custom products. Edmund Optics’ state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, combined with its global distribution network, has earned it the position of the world’s largest supplier of off-the-shelf optical components. Customers can purchase items by calling 1-800-363-1992, via the catalog or the website at www.edmundoptics.com.