51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The Photon Science Section at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø celebrated the 100th anniversary of Optics at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with a programme of lectures by distinguished speakers, demonstrations, displays, and evening reception.

With the formation of the Department of Technical Optics in 1917, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is the oldest institution of higher education and research in Optics not just in the UK but in the world! We celebrate our proud History of Optics at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø as well as the vibrant optics-based applied and fundamental research currently being pursued. This event will take a look both at the history, legacy and world-impact of Optics at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and also forwards to the current and future directions of Optics. 

The Department of Technical Optics was formed to address the shortage of optical engineers required by industry. The appointment of A. E. Conrady as Professor of Optical Design in July 1917 led to the first courses in optics at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø during that year; Undergraduate courses started in 1918 and Postgraduate courses in 1919. In 1931 the name of the department changed to the Technical Optics Section and officially became part of the Physics Department. In 1973 the arrival of Professor D. J. Bradley and his group at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø founded world-renowned research programmes in optical and laser physics and doubled the size of the Optics Section.

The Optics Section (recently renamed as the Photon Science Section) at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College continues as the largest university institution optics centre in the UK, with research activities covering virtually the whole of optics, from applied optical systems to quantum optics. Find out more about the history of the Optics Section.