CLEO 2021 Moves to Virtual Format

The CLEO conference for laser science and photonics applications will be presented in an all-virtual format in 2021. CLEO will run from May 9-14. According to a press release from OSA, the virtual approach will accommodate speakers and attendees from around the globe with live and on-demand content.

The 2021 conference will feature over 2000 technical presentations of invited and tutorial speakers and contributed talks, plus special symposia, workshops, applications and technology topical reviews, short courses, special events, and four plenary speakers. A virtual exhibition will include industry-focused sessions and companies showcasing market-ready technologies in all areas of lasers and photonics.

“We recognize that the value of offering this innovative conference virtually is not just for participant safety, but also to promote greater accessibility for members of our global community,” said Tara Fortier, one of the six CLEO general chairs. “Improving broad and diverse participation is central to the vitality of our community as we continue to encourage students, early-career professionals, researchers, and business leaders to engage and exchange in CLEO’s groundbreaking content.”

The four plenary speakers, representing academia and industry, will address advancements in quantum information science and technologies, quantum computing, and optical communications. The plenaries scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, and Wednesday, May 12, will be presented live with a recorded archive available later for on-demand viewing. CLEO 2021 plenary speakers are Nicolas Gisin, professor emeritus, University of Geneva (“From Quantum Foundations to Quantum Communications and Back”); Jeremy O’Brien, CEO, PsiQuantum (“Silicon Photonic Quantum Computing”); Margaret Murnane, director, STROBE, fellow, JILA, professor, University of Colorado at Boulder (“Harnessing Attosecond Quantum Technologies”); and Alan Eli Willner, professor, University of Southern California (“Optical Communications: Innovations and Applications Abound”).

CLEO’s technical presentations will cover the range of emerging technologies in laser science, quantum, biophotonics, telecommunications, advanced imaging, and more.

CLEO is co-sponsored by the American Physical Society, the IEEE Photonics Society, and The Optical Society (OSA).