50th Anniversary

The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences, founded as the Optical Sciences Center, was established in 1964 to fulfill a national need for more highly trained engineers and physicists in the optical sciences. It has stood at the forefront of the field throughout its history; today it offers superlative educations, cutting-edge research programs and a solid commitment to the economic development of the optics industry.

50th Anniversary Publications

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"OSC Turns 50"

Dean Thomas L. Koch wrote a feature article for the October 2014 issue of "Optics & Photonics News" that gives a brief overview of OSC's history, academic and research programs, research groups, and industry partnerships.

View the article on osa-opn.org


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50 Years of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona

Professor José Sasián, with the input from OSC faculty and staff, created a 48-page commemorative booklet that outlines the history of OSC and its current research specialties and projects. It also touches on OSC's important relationships with its industrial affiliates and generous donors. Scattered throughout the booklet are current and historical photos of the Meinel Building and its sculptures, students, faculty and research. Booklet download is approximately 2.5MB.

Download 50 Years of Optical Sciences Booklet PDF

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College of Optical Sciences

Professor Masud Mansuripur compiled a comprehensive 196-page booklet that goes into detail on specific research projects through articles submitted by OSC faculty. The booklet touches on OSC's academic programs and relationships with donors and industrial affiliates and includes beautiful photos of local flora and fauna taken by OSC's very own Brian P. Anderson. Booklet download is approximately 10MB.

Download College of Optical Sciences Booklet PDF


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Fifty Years of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences - Proceedings of SPIE Volume 9186

In 1964, Aden B. Meinel founded the Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona, which has grown into one of the world's premier institutions for research and education in optical science and engineering. This Proceedings records the special two-day conference celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Optical Sciences Center, which became the College of Optical Sciences in 2005. The articles look back at the history and accomplishments of the Center and provide an overview of the current programs at the College.

Not currently available for purchase