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Material Signs: Introduction to the World of Optics

The experts discuss the impact of optics on modern technology and its pervasive role in industries ranging from consumer electronics to climate change mitigation. They highlight the advancements in optics technology over recent decades and its potential to address global challenges like improving internet access in impoverished regions.

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By Sciences · · Climate ChangeEnproMaterial SignsMonroe Community College
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Material Signs: Introduction to the World of Optics

Key takeaways

01

Optics touches nearly every aspect of modern life, from everyday technology to critical global challenges.

02

Advancements in optics over the last two decades have enabled the creation of smaller, lighter, and more precise optical systems.

03

The potential of optics includes providing global Wi-Fi access, even in underdeveloped regions.

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Doctors Scott Carney, chief science and technology officer at Optica, Kate Medicus, CEO at Ruda-Cardinal, and Alexis Vogt, endowed chair and professor of optics at Monroe Community College, joined Host Tyler Kern for the very first podcast of Enpro’s Material Signs to talk about the world of optics and its impact on the world.

Optics, which is the science of light, is arguably the oldest science with its roots going back to 2,500 years ago with the law of reflection. Now, optics likely touches every aspect of modern life, expanding into many technologies, such as lasers, cell phones, computer chips, cameras, cars, and even champagne inspection machines.

It also is a big factor in helping solve bigger needs, like fighting global climate change, enabling space exploration, and assisting national security measures. Carney summed it up perfectly, saying: “I think it would be easier to identify the things that you interact with that don’t involve optics.”

Optics is prominent in nearly all industries and touches many different businesses. What excites Vogt the most about the endless opportunities is the ability to help impoverished areas. She explained, “Think about the technologies that are forthcoming … like having Wi-Fi access to all people around the entire world — even to developing countries that don’t have running water.”

Medicus expanded on how far the technology has come in just two short decades: “Over the last twenty years … we can manufacture the most oddly shaped glass elements, which allows us to have smaller optical systems, lighter-weight optical systems — or more precise optical systems — and that allows us to grow the technology and grow our innovation.”

Optics is changing the way people live, and each person, company, product, and technology plays a huge role in making that revolution happen.

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About the Experts

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Sciences
SC
Scott Carney

Chief Science and Technology Officer

Optica

KM
Kate Medicus

CEO

Ruda-Cardinal

AV
Alexis Vogt

Endowed Chair and Professor of Optics

Monroe Community College

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