A diverse group of optical engineering enthusiasts will gather at Bar-Ilan University on March 20 for the Optical Engineering 2012 Convention, held by the Society of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in Israel.

Optical Engineering 2012 is a photonics networking event, bringing together practicing engineers, researchers, technology providers, scientists and students. It offers updates on the photonics community as well as a place to exchange information and present papers. Events also will include a contest for photonics startups, a poster session and a technical exhibit.

The meeting covers a variety of topics in optics, electro-optics and photonics with an emphasis on engineering and academia-industry collaboration. The program includes three tracks: imaging optics, nonimaging optics and optics in medicine.

Specific topics will include optical imaging, computational imaging, solar concentrators, illumination, biomedical optics, displays, 3-D, photonics for communication, unconventional optics, industrial applications, defense applications, applications for lasers, nonlinear optics and organic photonics.

The 2012 Startup Contest will be held during the conference, and the winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Companies or startups less than 5 years old that are registered in Israel and have no more than $6 million of funding were eligible to enter until early February. Finalists will give a five-minute elevator pitch during the plenary morning session and will set up a display for discussion with visitors and contest referees.

Registration for the conference also includes admission to the exhibition and presentation posters, and seating at the conference and the startup competition – plus refreshments. Attendees who register for the Society of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Israel (Optical Engineering chapter) will receive a discount; membership is free for the first year.