OSSC General Information
The Optical Society of Southern California is a local section of Optica (Formerly OSA) founded to increase and disseminate the knowledge of optics and closely allied sciences. The Society meets monthly from September through June (except December) and also organizes regular family-friendly outreach events. Those who support our goals are invited to apply for membership.
We value your membership and appreciate your support!
Background
The Optical Society of Southern California (OSSC) was formed in 1951 to increase and disseminate the knowledge of optics, optical systems and science and was recognized in 1952 as the 8th local section of The Optical Society of America (Now Called Optica). Members consist of optical component and equipment manufacturing companies, optical designers, research organizations, universities and individuals including engineers, scientists, optical fabricators, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software engineers, marketing personnel, consultants, educators, students and many others with interests in optical technology, theory and related technologies. The OSSC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of officers elected annually by the membership and appointed committee chairs.
Purpose
Article II of the Articles of Incorporation of the Optical Society of Southern California
It is the aim and purpose of this society to increase and disseminate the knowledge of Optics and closely allied sciences, to promote the mutual interest of investigators, teachers and students in these fields, and of designers, manufacturers and users of optical instruments and allied scientific apparatus as well as those who have optics as a hobby, and to encourage cooperation and establish acquaintanceship among these persons.
The OSSC serves as a forum bringing together optics and photonics scientists, engineers, educators, technicians and business leaders. The OSSC is dedicated to providing its members and the Southern California optics community educational resources that support technical and professional development, to exchange ideas, and network.
OSSC Membership
The Society’s current membership consists of approximately 300 Members including over Individual Members, Corporate Members, Website Sponsors, and a small number of distinguished Fellows. Over 100 different companies, consulting firms, research centers and educational institutions are represented. We truly comprise the Southern California Optics community. About 95% of our members live and work in California; the remaining 5% represent about a half dozen other US states and a small number of foreign countries. Most of our members are engineers or scientists including several chief scientists, program and department managers; other members are sales and marketing professionals, students or educators. Among our current members, about 25% are corporate Presidents, Chief Executive Officers or Vice Presidents.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month from September to June (Except December) rotating from the South Bay/Los Angeles Airport area, Orange County and the San Gabriel Valley. Our meetings typically begin with an informal social hour / networking opportunity, starting at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00. A technical presentation, given by a featured speaker, starts at 8:00 and the meeting typically ends at 9:30. Meetings are held at hotels, restaurants, universities or business establishments. Thanks to a generous subsidy from OSA, OSSC Members who are full-time students may enjoy a meal at our meetings either for free or at a reduced cost.
Most OSSC meetings are open to the public and anyone with an interest in optics is encouraged to attend.
Please note: In some instances the facility at which the OSSC meets may require attendance be limited to U.S. citizens or those holding green cards. A few of our events, primarily because of space limitation, have also been limited to members only.
Outreach Events
In addition to our regular meetings, the OSSC also sponsors several family oriented outreach and educational events. Additional information is available on the OSSC Outreach page.
About the OSSC Website
The OSSC.org website is managed by OSSC Webmaster, Fellow and Past President Robert Cartland. The current website, powered by ClubExpress, was designed and implemented in July, 2009, by Robert based on content developed by legacy Webmaster, Past President and Fellow, Charles Gaugh. Robert and Charles implemented a major redesign at the end of 2015. Rick Hawley of Electronically Managed Creative Solutions (EMCS) Hamburg, New York, assisted with development of our earlier website which shaped the development of our current website.