SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 27 – The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) said it expects attendance at Photonics West 2004, which opened today, to reach 13,000. The conference, being held this week at the McHenry Convention Center, will feature 2300 technical papers, 700 exhibiting companies, 80 short courses and numerous workshops and tutorials. The conference and technical exhibit consists of four international symposia: BiOS 2004, OPTO 2004, LASER 2004 and micromachining and microfabrication. Plenary sessions and award ceremonies are also on the schedule. See Photonics.com's daily Photonics West 2004 coverage and photos: www.photonics.com/tradeshows/photonicswest2004/XQ/ASP/QX/index.htm For more information about Photonics West, visit: spie.org/Conferences/Programs/04/pw/