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Read the full storyArizona Optics Industry Association
The home of Arizona’s optics and photonics industry, the Optics Valley
Arizona’s optics industry is world renowned, spanning large aerospace corporations, research facilities and entrepreneurial start ups across southern Arizona. The AOIA connects the companies, researchers and educators that make the region a global centre for light based technology..
Our mission
Promoting the growth of the optics industry in Arizona
The mission of the AOIA is to promote the growth of the optics industry and optics related business clusters in Arizona. Tucson is often called the Optics Valley because of the concentration of highly visible optics companies and the deep talent pool that supports them.
The cluster represents a broad range of products and services, including optical design and engineering, fibre 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 and thin films.
Read the mission and objectives
Why join
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 and capturing grants
- Develop your company’s international reach
- Develop your workforce
- Publicise your company
- Increase your corporate networking
Technologies and industries
A cluster built on light
More than 300 companies and organisations across Tucson, Phoenix and the rest of the state cover a broad range of optics products and services.
Fiber optics and photonics
Fibre optic components for telecommunications, lasers and semiconductors, and the photonic devices behind modern networks.
Metrology and fabrication
Metrology instrumentation, precision fabrication, high volume plastic optics and optical coatings and thin films.
Imaging and instrumentation
Microscopes, telescopes, image processing, positioning equipment and opto electronic systems.
Defense and aerospace
Advanced optical technologies for precision guidance and missile defense programs across Arizona.
Health and life sciences
Medical imaging and laser surgery made possible by optics designed and manufactured in Arizona.
Astronomy and space
Renowned observatories and space instruments that highlight Arizona as the nation’s astronomy capital.
News/Events
Latest from the cluster
9Nov2015
International Dark Sky Annual General Meeting
The International Dark Sky Annual General Meeting will be held on November 14 and 15, 2015 at the Embassy Suites Hotel Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Program details and schedule are published by DarkSky International.
Read the full story15Sep2015
AOIA Luncheon Event at the Arizona Inn on September 29, 2015
An AOIA luncheon at the Arizona Inn on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 from 11:30am to 2:00pm featured LUXeXceL presenting 3D Printed Optics. The cost was $10.00 per attendee.
Read the full story25Aug2015
James Webb Space Telescope Models
A Kickstarter campaign for reduced scale models of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, a NASA and European Space Agency collaboration used to demonstrate the engineering that unfolds the telescope after launch.
Read the full storyCalendar
Join us for AOIA events. Please check back frequently to review the AOIA calendar, as new events are published on a regular basis.
Board meetings
Member directory
Find an optics partner
Search Arizona companies and research organisations by name or capability.
Design and engineering
Optical design, systems engineering and consulting services from member firms.
Fabrication and coatings
Precision fabrication, diamond turning, polishing and thin film coating suppliers.
Components and sensors
Lasers, detectors, mirrors, filters and imaging components built in Arizona.
Research and education
Universities, observatories and laboratories advancing optical science.