Optica (founded as The Optical Society of America (OSA), later The Optical Society) is a professional society of individuals and companies with an interest in optics and photonics. It publishes journals, organizes conferences and exhibitions, and carries out charitable activities. It currently has about 488,000 customers in 183 countries, including nearly 300 companies.
Founded | 1916 |
---|---|
Founder | Perley G. Nutting |
Type | Professional association |
Focus | Optics and photonics |
Location |
|
Area served | Worldwide |
Method | Professional journals and conferences |
Members | 22,000 |
Key people | Gerd Leuchs (2024 president) Michal Lipson (2023 president) Stephen D. Fantone (2020 president) Elizabeth A. Rogan (CEO) |
Revenue | $49,549,907[1][2] |
Endowment | $74,991,615 |
Employees | 150 |
Website | optica |
Optica was founded in 1916 as the "Optical Society of America", under the leadership of Perley G. Nutting,[3] with 30 optical scientists and instrument makers based in Rochester, New York. It soon published its first journal of research results and established an annual meeting.[4][5] The first local section was established in Rochester, New York, in 1916 and the Journal of the Optical Society of America was created in 1918.[5] The first series of joint meetings with the American Physical Society was in 1918.[5]
In 2008 it changed its name to The Optical Society (OSA).[6] In September 2021, the organization's name changed to Optica, in reference to the organization's journal by the same name and geographic neutrality to reflect the society’s global membership.[7]
Optica Publishing Group
Optica Publishing Group is Optica’s scientific publishing platform, which publishes peer-reviewed optics and photonics research. Optica Publishing Group’s portfolio consists of 20 publications.[8]
Optica presents awards and honors, including Optica Fellow, Honorary Membership, and Awards/Medals. Optica's awards and medals program is endowed through the Optica Foundation, and includes more than 20 named awards; among them are the following:[11]
The following persons are or have been presidents of the society:[12]