APOS 2012 spans all research related to optical sensing and imaging from that employing bulk optics, waveguide optics and nano-optics or nano-photonics, through to novel optical instrumentation. A key role in each area is the development and integration of novel materials, especially for chemical and biomedical sensing. Only original papers of the highest quality spanning fundamental, applied and advanced field trials that have not been presented elsewhere, including other regional alternate events, are solicited.

Contributed papers will be presented both orally and in poster sessions at the discretion of the Technical Programme Committee. Those papers accepted for presentation at the conference will be published in a Conference Proceedings by SPIE.

In recognising the broad expertise characteristic of optical sensing, this Committee is subdivided into several sub Committees which will deal with the following topics:

1. Physical Sensing

2. Chemical and Environmental Sensing

3. Biological and Biomedical Sensing and Imaging

4. Distributed, Multiplexed and Networked Sensing

5. Integrated Technologies for Sensing

6. Optical Fibres for Sensing

7. Grating and Component Technologies for Sensing

8. Industrial Applications and Field Trials

9. Novel Materials for sensing

Under these general topics, original submissions are solicited on specific issues and applications around optical sensing technologies, including combinations thereof, such as:

- Novel sensing approaches for point and distributed sensors including arrays

- Characterisation and imaging, including new bio-imaging approaches

- Various novel materials including micro and nanostructuring, chemical selectivity and enhancement and novel biodetection

- Field trials, reliability and standardisation

Original submissions which also describe specific applications such as those listed below are also sought:

- Structural health monitoring of building and other infrastructure,

- Geo-monitoring particularly in the oil and gas energy sectors

- Power industry diagnostics and the role of optical sensors in new “SmartGrid” technologies

- Aerospace, automotive, and marine monitoring and engineering,

- Biomedicine and health including novel imaging and delivery technologies

- Environmental monitoring of air, water and land including food security

- Defence and security.

In keeping with the a major APOS theme to promote and encourage the next generation of International Leaders in optical sensing, there will be cash prizes for the best student presentations so students are especially encouraged to submit and attend the conference. This prize is sponsored by SPIE.