Optical Coatings Shape the Future of Laser Technology – Experts Gather in Buchs
The symposium “Optical Coatings for Laser Applications” (OCLA) was held for the eleventh time – this year once again in Buchs (SG) at RhySearch. The event attracted around 130 experts from ten countries, further strengthening the region’s reputation as a key hub for optical coatings, laser technology, photonics, and precision manufacturing.
On March 26, 2026, the Hightech Campus Buchs once again became an international meeting point for cutting-edge science. Engineers, scientists, and technology leaders from ten nations discussed the latest developments in optical coatings for laser technology – a key field in modern manufacturing.
Keynotes of International Standing
The symposium opened with a keynote by Prof. em. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ursula Keller, one of the world’s most renowned researchers in the field of ultrafast lasers. The afternoon session was opened by Prof. Oliver Heckl from the University of Vienna. Both presentations highlighted the intersection of fundamental research and industrial application.
The program was complemented by expert presentations from leading research institutes, including Fraunhofer IOF Jena, the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology Vilnius, the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering, the University of Vienna, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Buchs (OST), and RhySearch, as well as international industry partners.
Exhibition, Networking, and Pre-Program
The symposium was accompanied by a technical exhibition featuring well-known companies from the optics and laser industry. The generous professional and financial support from these companies forms the foundation of the event’s success. The latest research findings were intensively discussed during the poster exhibition.
Already on the previous day, an extensive supporting program offered opportunities for in-depth exchange, including a thin-film design software workshop, a company tour at ESPROS Photonics AG, and lab visits at OST and RhySearch.
Buchs as a Photonics Hub
The choice of venue is no coincidence: with the Sensor Innovation Hub, OST, the Switzerland Innovation Park East, and RhySearch, the Canton of St. Gallen offers a unique concentration of research and transfer expertise in photonics, sensor technology, ultra-precision manufacturing, and optics.
OCLA 2026 once again served as an impressive testament to the strength and global visibility of this dynamic regional innovation ecosystem.
📍 Save the date: The next event will take place on April 29, 2027, in Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic, before OCLA returns to Buchs in Eastern Switzerland in 2028.
