The AOIA Mission

Arizona’s optics industry is world-renowned and composed of companies ranging from large aerospace corporations to research facilities and entrepreneurial start-ups situated here in southern Arizona. Over 80% of the Optics related businesses are involved members of the Optics Industry Association.

Tucson is often referred to as “Optics Valley” because of the concentration of highly visible optics-related companies accompanied by a large talent pool. The Optics Cluster represents a broad range of products and services, including optical design and engineering, fiber optic components for telecommunications, lasers and semiconductors, metrology instrumentation, high precision optical fabrication, high volume precision plastic optics, precision measuring and positioning equipment, microscopes, telescopes, opto-electronics, image processing software and optical coatings/thin films.

Benchmark data collected in 2001 suggests that while cluster membership is predominantly from small companies, optics revenue in Tucson alone may account for over $600 million and more than 1400 jobs. Proximity to the Mexican border and an active relationship with Canada’s optics leaders have added to Southern Arizona’s market position.


AOIA Members

Why join AOIA, …..We are here to help you grow your business

  • Learn about new business opportunities
  • Receive information on current optics research in the state
  • Assistance in contacting capturing grants
  • Develop your company international reach
  • Develop your workforce
  • Publicize your company
  • Increase your corporate networking

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News/Events

Laser Fun Day March 31

Come support a great local event and help teach Tucsonans about optics! I am looking for individuals and their families to help staff our demo booths at the event in either a 2 ½ hour morning or afternoon shift OR …
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Edmund Optics Accepting Applications for 2012 Higher Education Grant Program

BARRINGTON, NJ—Edmund Optics, the premier provider of optical components, is now accepting applications for its 2012 Edmund Optics Higher Education Grant Program. In a continuing effort to support outstanding undergraduate and graduate optics programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at …
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Rochester’s Survival Lessons

AFTER years of decline, Eastman Kodak, once the largest employer in Rochester, filed for bankruptcy protection last month. But rather than following Detroit, Cleveland and other once-bustling industrial cities into decay, Rochester continues to grow at a healthy clip. Why?  …
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NP Photonics, Inc. Awarded Aerospace Contract

January 13, 2012 Tucson, Az. NP Photonics, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a multi‐million dollar, two year product development contract by an undisclosed, strategic customer in the aerospace sector. “We are delighted that NP has been chosen …
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More AOIA News/Events