Call for Papers 2026

The twenty-first Nonimaging Optics conference at SPIE Optics + Photonics 2026 will feature presentations and discussions on progress and applications of nonimaging optics.

Nonimaging optics is the discipline of optics that focuses on power transfer rather than image fidelity. Nonimaging optics is of fundamental importance to any application involving transport of energy in the form of light. Nonimaging devices substantially outperform traditional imaging lenses and mirrors in many applications, approaching the theoretical (thermodynamic) limit of radiative energy transfer, while yielding optimized irradiance patterns and/or improved optical efficiency. From a practical perspective, this paves the way towards relaxed physical tolerances, improved optical uniformity, and reduced manufacturing costs compared to conventional optical designs.

Nonimaging optics is of fundamental importance to the design of optical devices and systems in the fields of solar energy, illumination, and radiative energy conversion. This conference is the platform for bringing together experts and newcomers to discuss all aspects of the theory and application of nonimaging optics.

Design Competition

Like last year, this year's conference will feature an optical design competition. Everyone is encouraged to participate! Full details about the 2026 competition can be found here.

Awards

The Nonimaging Optics conference committee will present a "Best Student and Postdoc Presentation Award" to the best oral presentation given by a student or postdoc. This award includes a cash prize for the winner.

Topics of Interest

The Nonimaging Optics conference addresses the theory of nonimaging optics and its application to various fields, from solar energy concentration to LED systems and beyond. We encourage submissions in the topics listed below, and particularly encourage submissions that bridge multiple thematic areas or demonstrate novel applications of nonimaging optics principles.

Theoretical Foundations and Modeling

• Light fields and geometric flow lines
• Ray-tracing and alternative modeling techniques
• Phase-space methods and their applications
• Conservation laws and invariants in nonimaging optics
• Radiative transfer principles in nonimaging optics

Design and Optimization Techniques

• Tailored systems
• Flowline design
• Numerical and freeform systems
• Novel design methods for specific applications

Energy and Solar Applications

• Solar optics (general collection, concentration, and measurement of solar energy)
• Solar thermal collectors and concentrating solar power (CSP)
• Luminescent concentrators
• Thermophotovoltaic electricity generation
• Optical furnaces and radiative heating
• Concentrator photovoltaics (CPV) optics

Lighting and Illumination

• LED applications of nonimaging optics
• Display backlighting and uniform illumination systems
• Daylighting solutions
• Advanced luminaire design and smart lighting
• Beam shaping optics
• Visual perception optimization
• Industrial illumination design

Manufacturing and Experimental Techniques

• Experimental demonstration of nonimaging devices
• Manufacturing processes for nonimaging optics
• Prototyping and 3D printing of nonimaging optical systems
• Tolerance analysis

Specialized and Emerging Applications

• Optical devices for radiative cooling
• Thermo-optical energy conversion systems
• Light-pipe systems
• Cerenkov detectors for astronomy
• Nonimaging optics in medical devices
• Novel applications of compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) or other nonimaging devices
• Application of artificial intelligence (AI) for optical design

Highlight

A joint session organized together with Conference OP315 New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion. Submissions covering cross-cutting topics will be considered for the joint session.