SPIE Photonics West is experiencing a growth trend, and attendance at the annual conference is expected to top 19,500 in 2013, organizers say. The international photonics and laser show, which will be held Feb. 2-7 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, encompasses the major conferences SPIE BiOS, LASE, OPTO, MOEMS-MEMS and Green Photonics. More than 1200 companies will exhibit devices and components for a variety of applications.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new developments in photonics, including new biomedical optics treatments for critical diseases and for restoring sight, the latest in green photonics for sustainable energy, and laser innovations for manufacturing.

Numerous technical sessions, industry panels and other events will cover areas such as displays; communications; medical therapeutics and diagnostics; micro- and nanofabrication; microelectromechanical systems; optoelectronic materials and devices; and semiconductor, gas, fiber and diode lasers. Technical courses and professional development workshops will be offered.