Laurin Publishing, producer of Photonics Spectra, and SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, are accepting entries for the 2009 Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation until Sept. 22, 2009.The Prism Awards, introduced for the first time in 2008, recognize the best innovative technology in the photonics industry. A panel of 26 independent judges, all considered industry experts, will select finalists in nine product categories as follows: optics; lasers; other light sources; detectors, sensing and imaging systems; analytical, test and measurement; photonics systems; photonics processes; sustainable/green technology; and life sciences.“Photonics technologies affect nearly every aspect of life – energy production and distribution, communications, consumer electronics, medicine, biotechnology, manufacturing, analysis of climate change, and security, to mention a few,” said Eugene Arthurs, CEO of SPIE. “The Prism Awards program is one way we are helping to accelerate innovation and move technology to market. We are pleased to honor and promote the technological creativity and vision represented by these entries.”Last year 130 entries were submitted, of which 67 were tapped as finalists for the global competition. Ultimately, 10 winners representing three nations were chosen, and the awards were presented at Photonics West 2009, North America’s premier event for the photonics and optics industry. “The overwhelming global response to the Prism Awards demonstrates that even during this grim economic downturn, the industry is very much alive and increasingly relevant,” said Thomas F. Laurin, president of Laurin Publishing. “We look forward to seeing this year’s exciting world-class innovations from our industry leaders and experts.”The winners of this year’s Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation will be announced at Photonics West 2010 in San Francisco.Entries can be submitted at http://www.photonicsprismaward.com; contact innovation@spie.org with questions.