About this news archive
This listing gathers MI-Light announcements, member spotlights, and partner updates tied to lasers, imaging, sensing, and photonics manufacturing in Michigan. Entries combine short summaries with links to full articles where those pages were published, or to PDF handouts that were shared after meetings, press briefings, or Winter Blast and renewal programs.
Newer items appear first. Dates on posts reflect when the association published the item, not always the date of the underlying event. When a headline points to a PDF only, treat that file as the primary source for quotes and specifications. External coverage, such as regional business press, is linked explicitly so readers can verify awards and appointments in context.
Use the pagination row at the bottom to open older index pages. For meeting-related PDFs, file names usually encode the release date in YYYYMMDD form so you can sort materials chronologically without opening each document. Sidebar links under Stay Informed open the events calendar, subscription form, and curated useful links for the same photonics community.
Mi-Light Member Spotlight: PlaneWave Instruments
PlaneWave Instruments is a privately held company headquartered in Adrian, Michigan, founded in 2006 by Richard Hedrick and Joseph Haberman. It runs design and manufacturing facilities in California and Michigan. With CTO David Rowe and the founding team, the company developed and promoted the CDK (Corrected Dall-Kirkham) telescope, a distinctive optical design now used in research-grade systems.
Anca Sala, Mi-Light secretary, was honored as a Crain's 2019 Notable Women in STEM
Dr. Anca Sala, Mi-Light Vice Chair of Education and Secretary, was named a Crain’s Detroit Business 2019 Notable Woman in STEM. She serves as Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology at Baker College. The award cited her career results and community work, including service to industry groups such as MI-Light.
Baker College Receives NSF Grant to Boost Michigan’s Photonics Education
Baker College received a National Science Foundation (NSF) award of nearly $512,000 to strengthen photonics and laser education on its campuses and with partners statewide through mid-2020. The program funded lab upgrades, faculty development, and outreach aligned with Michigan employer needs in optics and photonics.
What is the Status of the Current STEM Environment in Michigan?
The Michigan STEM Partnership is working to expand science access for students
Gary Farina, Executive Director of the Michigan STEM Partnership, keynoted a Mi-Light Spring Renewal member meeting. His talk covered how the partnership started, what it has delivered so far, current constraints, and planned programs that connect schools with industry.
Baker College – Your Michigan Destination for a Degree in Photonics Technology
Baker College photonics program in context
Following a Mi-Light Spring Renewal member meeting, Dr. Anca Sala, Dean of the College of Engineering at Baker College, described how Baker remains the Michigan college with an associate degree focused on photonics. She outlined student outcomes, lab investments, and where industry still needs more trained technologists.
The Advanced Laser Applications Conference is Here
ALAC at the Detroit Sheraton Novi Hotel, May 9–10, 2017
ALAC is a laser applications conference and exposition focused on applications, process engineering, product development, and system integration for industrial lasers.
UDI Compliant Laser Marking of Medical Devices
TRUMPF turnkey UDI laser marking
TRUMPF describes a combined laser and software package for UDI marking from one vendor, producing corrosion-resistant marks on highly reflective metals using ultra-short pulsed lasers.
Mi-Light Participates at the Ann Arbor Optical Society Event
Mi-Light display at OSA industry snapshot
MI-Light took part in the Ann Arbor Optical Society of America Industry Snapshot and Outreach event at the Michigan Union, meeting students and professionals interested in regional photonics activity.
Ophir Expands Spheres for Measurement
Ophir integrating spheres for divergent and collimated beams
Ophir added models to its Sphere product line for measuring divergent and collimated beams with calibrated integrating spheres. See the PDF for aperture sizes, calibration notes, and fit-up guidance.
