Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Concentration XXI
Part of SPIE Optics + Photonics 2026
San Diego, California, USA · 23–27 August 2026
About the Conference
The Nonimaging Optics conference at SPIE Optics + Photonics is the main annual meeting for researchers in nonimaging optics, illumination design, and solar concentration optics. The program spans foundational theory, design methods, and applications in energy and illumination.
The preliminary 2026 conference program is available. Join us in San Diego in August for sessions on nonimaging optics theory, solar concentration, illumination, energy applications, and the optical design competition.
Abstract Deadline
17 February 2026, passed
Author Notification
4 May 2026, passed
Manuscript Deadline
5 August 2026
Conference Dates
23-27 August 2026
2026 Program Available
The preliminary program for Nonimaging Optics XXI in San Diego is now available:
Design Competition 2026
Can you fit a square peg through a round hole?
Design a reflective optical system that guides all light from a cube-shaped source through a circular opening. The étendue matches, so it should be possible. The question is: how can it be done?
Online Minisymposium
December 8, 2025 · Thank you to all who attended!
Invited Talks
We featured high-quality invited talks from leading researchers in nonimaging optics.
Call for Papers Launched
The call for papers for the 2026 conference is now open! Submit your abstract by February 11, 2026.
Design Competition Launched
The 2026 optical design competition is open. Review the challenge and submit your design.
Recordings and slides are now available!
Watch Recordings & View Slides2025 Conference Highlights
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 20th anniversary conference
Optical Design Competition: 2025 Results
This year's competition winners were Ludo Haenen (Signify) for the overall best submission at 53.3% efficiency, and Alex Lehmann (UNSW) for the best submission among conference attendees at 31.4% efficiency.
Congratulations to both winners for their impressive designs!
Best Student & Postdoc Presentation: 2025
This year's award was a tie between Wai Qian Tham (Trinity College Dublin) and Zijun Zhang (Zhejiang University).
Congratulations to both winners for their outstanding presentations!