Optics is all about light. Optical technologies have been widely adopted in exploring the origin of life, diagnosing medical diseases, creating clean energy, and transmitting image information. To exchange advancing technologies in optics, and to enhance international cooperation, the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) organized a symposium on optics themed “Sharing Light: Tradition and Innovation” on 22-23 September 2022 together with the Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) in partnership with International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022 (IYBSSD 2022). This symposium also attained strong support from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) and the Department of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Province where XIOPM is located.

 

The two-day symposium discussed a range of topics in the optics field, including but not limited to new ideas and advancing technologies in optics, especially those to improve the quality of life in developing countries and the ones that are key to the achievement of sustainable development goals. More than 20 top-level scientists and experts from China, Hungary, Pakistan, Türkiye, Russia, Egypt, and Japan presented their discoveries and thoughts. The event was also live-streamed online and attracted over 100 audiences around the world. 

 

On September 22, the opening ceremony of the conference was presided over by XIE Xiaoping, Deputy Director of the XIOPM of CAS. Prof. Ferenc Hudecz, Vice-president of MTA – a governing board member of ANSO, extended a warm welcome to all participants on behalf of the organizing committee. He stressed that the topics of the symposium were devoted to the key values of humanity and sustainable development goals, which are the foundation of fundamental science and higher education. Prof. Hasan Mandal, President of TUBITAK, stated that optical applications are transforming the scientific and technological advances of our world, providing solutions to renewable energy for a more sustainable future. Prof. Tasawar Hayat, Secretary-General of PAS, introduced the history of optical research in his country. He further stressed that PAS will support optics and photonics-related studies within the country through national, regional, and international collaboration, especially the collaborative ventures among Pakistani and Chinese scientists in this field. Prof. MA Caiwen, Director of XIOPM, reviewed the history and achievements of the institute and called for more international cooperation.

 

Next, six established scholars in the field gave keynote speeches. Ms. K. Melike ERGÜN from TUBITAK and Prof. XIE chaired the session together. Prof. Hilmi Volkan Demir at the Bilkent University UNAM of Türkiye shared his research on semiconductor nanocrystal optoelectronics for lighting and displays. Prof. YAO Baoli at the XIOPM introduced three-dimensional optical microscopy based on spatial modulation of optical fields and displayed the research results in the form of animation. Prof. Péter Dombi at the Wigner Research Centre for Physics and ELI-ALPS, Hungary illustrated the Laser light controlling transient currents in dielectrics and explained potential applications of this technology from the basic carrier envelope knowledge. Prof. ZHAO Jianlin of Northwestern Polytechnical University, China elaborated on two key prerequisites for the development of spatial structured light field applications. The presentation concluded that digital holography is an effective method to simultaneously and accurately measure the phase and polarization distributions of dynamic light fields. Prof. Yasuo Nabekawa of RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Japan presented the research conducted by the Attosecond Science Research Team and its founding and outcomes. Through using XUV High-harmonic Pulse Pairs, the project team hoped to achieve attosecond control of simple molecules and atoms. Prof. HE Feng of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China introduced spin-selective ionization and high harmonic generation of Lithium in strong laser fields.

 

The second day of the symposium was presided over by Prof. CAO Jinghua, Executive Director of the ANSO Secretariat, and Prof. M. Qasim Jan, immediate past presidents of PAS and ANSO. Prof. Mikhail Frolov, Director of the Department of Physics at Vognesh State University in Russia, made a report on Linear and nonlinear XUV optics with IR-dressed atoms, clarifying the concept of linear and nonlinear optics and explaining the atomic response models under different conditions. Prof. Dahi Ghareab Abdelsalam Ibrahim, from National Institute of Standards of Egypt, introduced the application of contact and non-contact measuring devices in surface metrology. Prof. SHAO Xiaopeng, Dean of the School of Optoelectronic Engineering of Xidian University of China, introduced the history, technical advantages, and classification of computational imaging. Prof. M. Aslam Baig from the PAS pointed the direction of laser-produced plasma, which is considered to be the simplest experimental arrangement for a quick elemental qualitative analysis. Prof. Emine Tekin of the TUBITAK gave a detailed introduction to the history, classification, and manufacturing process of organic light-emitting devices. Prof. TAO Guangming of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Prof. WANG Wenjun of Xi’an Jiaotong University respectively described the aspects of metafabric for passive thermal management and laser precision processing technology. Prof. Isa Kiyat, Chief Researcher from Türkiye, gave a report on the prospects and challenges of the direction of photonics IC technology.

 

In the end, Prof. Jan and Prof. CAO expressed compliments, and gratitude to the organizers and speakers of the symposium. They re-emphasized the importance of basic sciences, especially optics, in broadening our vision and promoting a better world. Prof. Jan assured that the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and himself will continue to support ANSO’s activities. Prof. CAO promised that ANSO will continue to play the role of a platform for international scientific exchanges. 

 

A two-day ANSO Young International Optical Talent Training Workshop was held at the same time. This workshop focused on optical materials, technologies, devices, and industrial applications, covering cutting-edge discoveries in fiber optics, integrated optics, biological imaging, and ultrafast optics. More than 80 early career scientists from China and abroad participated in the training workshop.