From 4 to 6 February 2014, the main experts in Tuscan photonics will be present at the exhibition SPIE Photonics West 2014 in San Francisco. The event is acknowledged worldwide as the most important appointment for those involved in photonics, optoelectronics and laser technologies.
With the aim to attract foreign investments in the sector, the stand “Invest in Tuscany” will be hosting the most important Tuscan photonics researchers and entrepreneurs, such as: NRC-Applied Physics Institute (IFAC) in Florence, as well as the companies DEKA M.E.L.A., EL.EN, Light4Tech Firenze and Pecchioli Research.
Characterised by 1,240 worldwide exhibiting companies and over 20 thousand expected attendees, the exhibition is an important opportunity to investigate thoroughly the frontiers of technological research and innovation. In addition to courses and forums, many technical conferences will be held on Biophotonics, Laser, Optoelectronics, nano fabrication devices, as well as sessions in which well-known international opinion leaders will be presenting cutting edge novelties, and Tuscan representatives will be giving their speeches.
Tuscany can claim a strong presence of high standard research and development in the optics and photonics sectors, nearly unparalleled at national level.
The local tradition of studies in optics has its origins in Galileo Galilei, and in the past decades these have undergone an important development. In fact, the large enterprises present on the territory play an important role in the national and international markets, contributing in the development and production of optical components and systems. All this in collaboration with the small and medium-sized enterprises whose activity is based on semi-craft sectors, ranging from lighting engineering devices to the production of eyeglass lenses.
In particular, the province of Florence is traditionally active in the production of optical and optoelectronic systems. Whereas, the province of Pisa is more oriented towards the development of new technologies such as photonics for telecommunication and ICT.
The territory’s strategic and economic relevance in the sector is further proven by the recent development of highly advanced research and planning centres, such as the Research Centres of the University of Florence and the National Research Council located in the Scientific Centre of Sesto Fiorentino. These carry out research and technological transfer activities in various sectors, among which the biomedical sector, industrial manufacturing and cultural heritage.
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