SPIE, the renowned international society dedicated to advancing light-based science and technology, is calling on researchers, engineers, and companies to submit their latest product innovations for this prestigious accolade. The Prism Awards are often dubbed the “Oscars of Photonics” due to their high profile and influence in bringing the global photonics community together. Entrants into this competition stand to gain unparalleled visibility and credibility, as the awards ceremony attracts over 22,000 researchers, industry leaders, and decision-makers worldwide.

One of the main distinguishing features of the Prism Awards is the rigorous selection process. A panel composed of distinguished experts in optics and photonics evaluates the submissions based on their technical excellence, market impact, and innovative use of photonics principles. The winners in each of the nine categories enjoy extensive promotional exposure, including print and web features as well as on-the-ground presence at Photonics West, one of the world’s foremost conferences dedicated to optics and photonics research.

Recent winners have demonstrated the far-reaching implications of photonics technologies. For instance, Metalenz, a company specializing in advanced optics, secured the Prism Awards in the Cameras and Imaging category in both 2023 and 2026 with their PolarEyes™ and Polar ID products, respectively. These products utilize novel meta-optics designs that miniaturize camera systems without compromising performance, showcasing how photonics can revolutionize conventional imaging technologies and open new applications in consumer electronics and security.

The biomedical sector, a rapidly expanding field for photonics technologies, also finds robust representation among Prism winners. Norlase, for example, was honored in 2025 for LYNX, their pattern scanning laser indirect ophthalmoscope. This device employs a highly sophisticated laser scanning technology enabling eye hospitals to obtain unprecedented retinal imaging precision. Notably, LYNX has demonstrated clinical effectiveness and rapid adoption among top eye hospitals worldwide, underscoring how photonics-based medical devices enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient care.

Beyond product innovations, SPIE also recognizes companies making substantial positive impacts through their workplace and societal contributions. The SPIE Catalyst Award, in its third year, exemplifies this by spotlighting companies committed to environmental stewardship and social impact. The 2026 Catalyst Award went to Cerca Magnetics Limited for their Quantum OPM-MEG brain scanner, which leverages quantum sensors for ultrahigh sensitivity in tracking brain function development, particularly in children at risk of autism. This technology illustrates the convergence of quantum photonics and neuroscience, opening new frontiers in non-invasive brain monitoring.

The call for applications for the 2027 Prism Awards is open until September 11, 2026. Entrants are encouraged to submit emerging products that demonstrate not only technological innovation but also tangible market relevance and benefits. Given the multidisciplinary nature of optics and photonics, submissions range from advanced optical sensors and laser systems to novel photonic integrated circuits and quantum light sources. Each product showcases the profound impact of photonics research on practical applications, redefining optics’ role across various technologies and industries.

SPIE’s commitment to fostering the optics community extends beyond the awards. Since its foundation in 1955, the society has invested more than $26 million in supporting education, research, and professional development within the field. This includes scholarships, travel grants, educational resources, and advocacy efforts, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of photonics experts and accelerating the adoption of innovative optical technologies worldwide.

The Prism Awards ceremony, held at Photonics West, is more than just an accolade event; it is a crucial convergence point for collaboration and networking among scientists, engineers, business leaders, and academic institutions. The event offers unique opportunities for networking, partnerships, and technology transfer, thereby catalyzing the commercial success of novel photonics products and accelerating the overall progress of the industry on a global scale.

Photonic technologies recognized by the Prism Awards often highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining optical physics, materials science, quantum mechanics, and engineering. This interconnectivity is essential for breakthroughs that improve optical system performance while reducing costs and size, which are pivotal for consumer electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.

As the optics and photonics industry continues to anticipate the 2027 Prism Awards, the event’s significance is underscored by the transformative potential of light-based technologies. From empowering groundbreaking medical diagnostics to enabling next-generation quantum devices, these awards celebrate those driving innovation with light at the core, ensuring that photonics remains a cornerstone of technological advancement well into the future.

For those interested in applying or learning more about the SPIE Prism Awards, detailed information and submission guidelines are available on the SPIE official website. This open call represents an unparalleled opportunity to gain international recognition and bring pioneering photonics technologies to the forefront of scientific and industrial landscapes.

Subject of Research: Optics and Photonics Technology and Innovation
Article Title: Celebrating Innovation in Light: The 2027 SPIE Prism Awards Spotlight Revolutionary Photonics Technologies
News Publication Date: 1 July 2026
Web References:
– https://spie.org/community-support/spie-prism-awards
– https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west
– https://metalenz.com/
– https://norlase.com/resources/brochures/lynx-brochure/
– https://www.cercamagnetics.com/
References: Information derived from SPIE official statements and award announcements
Image Credits: SPIE

Keywords: Photonics, Optics, SPIE Prism Awards, Photonics West, Meta-optics, Laser Ophthalmoscope, Quantum Sensors, Biomedical Photonics, Optical Imaging, Quantum Photonics, Innovation, Technology Awards

A focal challenge in advancing these devices lies in enhancing light-matter interactions, which depend significantly on the ability to trap and confine light effectively. Herein, photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) emerge as a paradigm-shifting mechanism, deviating fundamentally from traditional optical cavities that rely on physical boundaries such as mirrors to constrain photons. Instead, BICs exploit interference phenomena, specifically destructive interference between propagating leaky modes, to localize light within open systems. These unique states are theoretically capable of confining light indefinitely without radiation losses, offering resonators with ultra-high quality factors. Practically, slight imperfections or system couplings convert ideal BICs into quasi-BICs, which nonetheless maintain remarkably stringent confinement.

The pathway to practical implementation of BICs remains steep, primarily because their design diverges substantially from classical resonator architectures. The conventional approach of symmetric nanostructure engineering, though instrumental in initial demonstrations, fails to grasp the full potential of BICs as research delves deeper. Modern design methodologies increasingly incorporate asymmetry, breaking spatial symmetries to spawn tunable quasi-BIC resonances. Such flexibility broadens the operational bandwidths and functionalities of devices but demands sophisticated computational and analytical tools to navigate complex photonic landscapes.

A comprehensive review published in Opto-Electronic Advances, authored by Thi Thu Ha Do and Son Tung Ha from Singapore’s A*STAR, meticulously charts the evolution of BIC research and extrapolates toward future technological avenues. This article traces the journey from foundational BIC physics—covering interference conditions and topological underpinnings—to the latest advancements in material integration, device fabrication, and application-specific engineering. By contextualizing BICs within the electromagnetic spectrum—from deep ultraviolet through the visible and infrared, extending to terahertz and microwave frequencies—the review underscores the versatility of these resonances across diverse photonic platforms.

A particularly captivating aspect detailed in this review addresses the intrinsic topological characteristics that endow BICs with robustness and tunability. These topological features allow the deliberate splitting and merging of BIC states, giving rise to novel photonic capital—such as super-BICs with enhanced quality factors, chiral BICs engaging polarization asymmetries, and flatband BIC configurations that facilitate spatially uniform light localization. This topological origin lays a conceptual bridge to contemporary condensed matter physics and fosters interdisciplinary innovation by connecting photonic phenomena with broader quantum and topological phases of matter.

Material selection remains a cardinal pillar supporting BIC technologies, and the review painstakingly catalogs low-loss all-dielectric materials capable of sustaining high-quality BICs. These materials span a broad wavelength range, empowering device engineers to tailor platforms for targeted optical windows. The practical implications are profound: choice of dielectric influences device scaling, compatibility with standard fabrication processes, and integration with electronic substrates, directly impacting viability for industrial deployment.

Remaining sensitive to the computational complexity tied to designing heterogenous nanostructures, the review highlights emergent design strategies incorporating machine learning and inverse design techniques. Such algorithmic frameworks enable the exploration of expansive parameter spaces, automating the identification of optimal metasurface geometries that balance physical constraints with desired optical outputs. This fusion of AI-driven design and nanotechnology not only expedites innovation cycles but also combats the rising complexity that conventional trial-and-error methods fail to address effectively.

Translating theoretical promise into real-world applications, photonic BICs reveal immediate implications in multifunctional devices. Their ability to significantly boost light confinement enables ultralow-threshold lasing, heightened sensitivity in photonic sensors, and enhanced nonlinear optical phenomena. Additionally, BIC-enhanced metasurfaces have shown great potential for wavefront shaping and high-resolution imaging, enabling devices with unprecedented directionality and spectral selectivity. These advances collectively sketch a vision for next-generation optical components integrated seamlessly into everyday technology.

Yet, forging ahead, researchers face pivotal challenges, particularly in scaling fabrication techniques to wafer-scale volumes compatible with commercial semiconductor manufacturing. The integration of BIC metasurfaces with active electronic systems represents another frontier, demanding innovations in interfacing optical and electronic domains without loss of functionality. Addressing these challenges portends the widespread adoption of BIC-based photonic components in consumer electronics, biomedical devices, and quantum information systems..

Looking beyond immediate applications, BICs stand poised to impact emergent quantum technologies substantially. Their exceptional control over electromagnetic states dovetails with efforts to manipulate exciton-polaritons and to develop optical computing architectures, as evidenced by pioneering work among A*STAR researchers like Dr. Son Tung Ha. By harnessing sophisticated resonance control on scalable semiconductor platforms, the potential arises for quantum devices possessing robust coherence and enhanced interaction strengths—the very attributes needed for next-generation information processing.

In sum, the evolving landscape of photonic BICs exemplifies a dynamic interplay of fundamental physics, materials science, and advanced engineering. The reviewed research encapsulates a critical juncture wherein longstanding theoretical constructs are harnessed through innovative computational and fabrication techniques, transitioning BICs from conceptual curiosities to viable components in high-impact applications. As the field matures, it holds immense promise in reshaping optics and photonics, offering pathways toward miniaturized, high-performance devices that meet the demands of tomorrow’s technology ecosystem.

Subject of Research: Emerging photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) and their applications in next-generation metadevices and nanophotonics.

Article Title: Emerging landscape of photonic bound states in the continuum for next-generation metadevices

News Publication Date: March 24, 2026

Web References:
DOI: 10.29026/oea.2026.250224

Image Credits: Dr. Son Tung Ha, A*STAR, Singapore

Keywords

Bound states in the continuum, photonic resonators, metasurfaces, nanophotonics, topological photonics, dielectric materials, ultra-high Q factors, machine learning design, inverse design, lasing, sensing, nonlinear optics, wavefront shaping, quantum photonics

At the heart of this breakthrough is the ability to induce localized amorphization within pristine dielectric crystals using ultrafast laser pulses. Traditionally, photonic crystal fabrication has relied on multi-step, time-intensive processes often constrained by material incompatibilities and structural limitations. The novel single-pulse lithography technique circumvents these challenges by delivering ultrashort, high-intensity laser bursts that reconfigure the crystal lattice from its ordered state to an amorphous form. This transformation fundamentally alters the optical properties of the targeted regions, enabling the precise definition of photonic architectures with bespoke refractive index profiles.

The process begins with a meticulously controlled delivery of single laser pulses, calibrated to exceed the threshold needed for initiating localized structural phase transitions without causing bulk damage. When focused inside the volume of an all-inorganic dielectric crystal, such as sapphire or lithium niobate, the pulse instantly disrupts the long-range order of the lattice, generating amorphous domains embedded within an otherwise perfectly crystalline matrix. These domains act as photonic elements that can guide, confine, or scatter light in complex manners unattainable by conventional laser writing or etching techniques.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this technique is its ability to achieve three-dimensional, volumetric patterning within transparent dielectric materials. Unlike surface lithography methods or planar patterning techniques, single-pulse amorphization permits the sculpting of intricate internal architectures that manipulate photons in all spatial dimensions. This breakthrough opens avenues for fabricating three-dimensional photonic crystals, waveguides, resonators, and other sophisticated optical components in essentially monolithic form factors, enhancing device robustness and miniaturization potential.

The researchers employed rigorous characterization methods to validate the structural and optical changes induced by the single-pulse process. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the distinct amorphous phases embedded within the crystalline host, while spectroscopic analyses confirmed significant modulation of refractive indices in these zones. The optical performance demonstrated the effective confinement and manipulation of light, suggesting that these amorphous inclusions could serve as functional building blocks for integrated photonic circuits.

From a materials science perspective, the ability to trigger controlled amorphization with a single, non-repetitive laser pulse signifies a leap forward in understanding laser-matter interactions at ultrafast timescales. The dynamics governing the phase transition unveil how energy deposition and rapid cooling rates can stabilize amorphous states in materials conventionally considered as rigidly crystalline. This insight not only advances fundamental solid-state physics but also informs the design of future laser fabrication strategies across diverse crystalline systems.

Moreover, the all-inorganic nature of the host crystals ensures exceptional thermal stability, chemical inertness, and mechanical durability for the fabricated photonic structures. This robustness is critical for applications demanding long-term reliability under harsh operating conditions, such as high-power lasers, spaceborne optical systems, and industrial photonic sensors. The new lithographic method thereby bridges the gap between performance and practicality, achieving a harmony rarely encountered in existing photonic manufacturing approaches.

Another transformative implication of this research lies in its scalability and compatibility with existing fabrication workflows. The simplicity of the single-pulse approach reduces processing time and cost, offering a viable path for mass production of complex photonic components. Additionally, its adaptability to various inorganic crystals broadens the material palette for device engineers, enabling the tailoring of photonic properties to specific application needs across a broad spectrum of wavelengths.

The technique’s rapid inscription speed also holds promise for dynamic photonic device prototyping and customization. By adjusting pulse energies, focal depths, and spatial positioning, designers can swiftly iterate on photonic structure designs without the delays inherent in traditional lithography or etching. This agility could accelerate innovation in fields dependent on fast turnaround cycles, such as telecommunication network upgrades, lab-on-a-chip sensor development, and on-demand quantum device fabrication.

Crucially, the method presents an exciting platform for integrating photonic functionalities with emerging quantum materials. The controlled introduction of amorphous domains inside crystalline hosts may influence the local electromagnetic environment, facilitating enhanced interaction with quantum emitters, nonlinear optical processes, or defect-mediated quantum states. This synergy could expedite the realization of quantum photonic circuits and contribute to the development of quantum information technologies with improved coherence and scalability.

The research team also explored the limits of spatial resolution achievable with this technique. By tailoring laser focusing optics and pulse parameters, they successfully patterned features at scales approaching the diffraction limit. Such resolution is integral for manipulating light at subwavelength scales, essential for metamaterial creation, enhanced light-matter coupling, and miniaturized optical components operating at terahertz or visible frequencies.

In their comprehensive experimental demonstrations, the authors showed not only static photonic structures but also possibilities for dynamic tuning through post-processing or additional laser pulses. This aspect introduces a layer of functional versatility, allowing the modification or modulation of photonic properties after initial fabrication, a feature highly sought in adaptive optics and reconfigurable photonic devices.

Beyond photonics, the underlying methodology of single-pulse induced amorphization inside inorganic crystals could influence other fields such as microelectronics, data storage, and sensor manufacturing. For example, the ability to locally alter crystalline order may be exploited for creating electrically or magnetically active domains with tailored properties. Such cross-disciplinary potential underscores the broad impact of this technology beyond its immediate photonic applications.

While the current study focuses on fundamental proof-of-concept and material characterization, ongoing research is expected to refine the technique for higher throughput, integration with complementary fabrication technologies, and exploration of diverse material systems. Addressing challenges related to uniformity across large-scale substrates and stability of amorphous regions under various operational conditions will be pivotal for commercial adoption.

In conclusion, this seminal work by Wang et al. on single-pulse lithography of amorphous photonic architectures inside all-inorganic dielectric crystals establishes a new paradigm in photonic device fabrication. By combining ultrafast laser processing, controlled phase transitions, and volumetric patterning within robust crystalline hosts, the technique unlocks capabilities that were previously unattainable with conventional lithography. The implications for advancing optical technologies are vast, touching on communication, computing, sensing, and quantum science. As the photonics community embraces this cutting-edge approach, the era of rapid, precise, and scalable 3D photonic manufacturing in dielectric crystals may soon become reality.

Subject of Research: Single-pulse laser lithography for fabricating amorphous photonic architectures inside dielectric crystals.

Article Title: Single-pulse lithography of amorphous photonic architectures inside all-inorganic dielectric crystals.

Article References: Wang, Z., Ma, R., Lin, H. et al. Single-pulse lithography of amorphous photonic architectures inside all-inorganic dielectric crystals. Light Sci Appl 15, 177 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-026-02253-1

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02253-1