The deadline for entries to the Optical Society's "Enabled by Optics" contest is November 5. Now in its third year, the contest recognizes optical and photonic technologies that have significantly affected quality of life. It also highlights the important role optics and photonics play in such areas as healthcare, communications, security, and manufacturing, among others.
The contest has two components, one for companies, the other for students.
For the company contest, the Optical Society (OSA) will highlight the winning technology and company via a multimedia promotional program conducted in conjunction with the organization's centennial celebration in 2016. The program includes an OSA-produced video that will be distributed across multiple sites and channels as well as company participation and acknowledgement at a variety of events. Further details can be found at http://www.osa.org/en-us/corporate_gateway/events_programs/enabled_by_optics/company_submission_and_prize/.
A panel of judges that comprises members of the OSA Industry Development Associates Committee and media representatives will determine the winner based on the following criteria:
- impact on society (economical, behavioral, and human)
- uniqueness
- creativity.
Previous company winners include Lumentum (for light sources used in 3D sensing technologies) and Trojan Technologies (for use of UV light in place of chemicals in water disinfection).
In the student contest, entrants are tasked with submitting a video that shows them disassembling a product with an optical component as they explains how the optical technology is needed to make the product work. Details of this contest are available at http://www.osa.org/en-us/corporate_gateway/events_programs/enabled_by_optics/student_submission_and_prize/. The student winner receives a $1,000 cash prize as well as recognition and promotion through various channels.