The Institute of Optics - History

History

Founded in 1929, through a grant from Eastman Kodak and Bausch and Lomb, the Institute is the oldest educational program in the United States devoted to optics. During World War I, many American defense companies relied heavily on German optics. The need for an American based institution of optical training became apparent when the flow of German imports, including optics, attenuated.

The Institute of Optics has long been deeply involved in American optics study and research. The Optical Society of America was founded in 1916 by 30 optical scientists and instrument makers based in Rochester.

The proximity of Rochester to many optical companies has provided an excellent environment for collaboration with industry, as well as funding for research. These companies include Xerox, Eastman Kodak, Corning Glass Works, Bausch and Lomb, and many others.

The Institute of Optics occupied the top floor of Bausch and Lomb Hall from 1931-1977. Currently, the Institute is primarily housed in the Wilmot Building on the River Campus of the University of Rochester; construction began in 1961 with support from NASA, as well as other buildings and centers, including the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Under the guidance of the current director, Professor Wayne H. Knox, the Institute is successfully expanding into the new Robert B. Goergen Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Optics, which was completed in March 2007 and was dedicated on May 17, 2007.