19–22 January 2026 | Booth #252 | Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA
SPIE Photonics West remains a key annual checkpoint for teams working across optics, photonics, sensing, and advanced imaging. The 2026 event once again brought together new materials, evolving manufacturing methods, and emerging optical architectures—making it a valuable moment for engineers to reassess design and production strategies.
Apollo Optical Systems exhibited at Photonics West 2026 with a focus on practical, manufacturable polymer optics and how they fit into modern optical system design. Conversations throughout the show reflected a clear trend: polymer optics are no longer viewed as a secondary option, but as a core technology for scalable, high-performance systems.
The conversation around polymer optics has shifted dramatically in the past decade. Once viewed primarily as a low-cost alternative to glass, polymer optical components now sit at the center of many high-performance systems—particularly where size, alignment, and complex geometry matter.
Photonics West remains the best environment to see this shift up close. Medical device developers, autonomous sensing teams, AR/VR researchers, and aerospace engineers continue to push designs that demand:
Polymer optics meet these constraints more efficiently than many engineers expect. Injection molding offers the ability to replicate freeform surfaces, integrate mechanical features directly into the optic, and scale production without losing surface quality or dimensional control.
At the 2026 show, these themes dominated the discussions—especially as more programs look to combine performance with manufacturability from the start.
If you didn’t get a chance to meet with us at the show—or want to continue the conversation—we’re always happy to review drawings, samples, or early concepts.
Apollo Optical Systems plans to exhibit again at SPIE Photonics West 2027. Details will be shared closer to the event.
Until then, feel free to reach out to continue the discussion on polymer optics, design for manufacturability, and scaling optical systems with confidence.
For those who want a deeper discussion, meetings can be scheduled ahead of time.