25th Anniversary meeting
Marriott, Yerevan, Armenia
September 25 – October 1, 2011
The 14th International Topical Meeting on Optics of Liquid Crystals (OLC 2011) will be organized by the Yerevan State University in cooperation with the Institute of Applied Problems in Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and State Committee of Science of Armenia.
The Conference will take place at the Armenia Marriott Hotel in Yerevan, most comfortably and pleasantly situated in the business and entertainment heart of this one of the most ancient cities of the world, surrounded by parks, fountains, art galleries, boutique stores, small open-air cafes, and restaurants.
The OLC conferences provide great opportunities and the most pleasant settings for scientists and engineers active in the field of optics of liquid crystals to discuss their recent results, review current research trends and meet the top experts in the multidisciplinary field comprising complex materials and optical systems.
The legacy of OLC meetings constitutes a breeding ground for new ideas, new collaborations, and new friendships.
Organizing committee:
R.S. Hakobyan, Chair, Yerevan State University
H.L. Margaryan, co-chair, Yerevan State University
S.G. Harutiunyan, State Committee of Science of Armenia
A.R. Mkrtchyan, Institute of Applied Problems in Physics of National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
A.A. Shahinyan, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
V.M. Aroutiounian, Yerevan State University
R.B. Alaverdyan, Yerevan State University
L.S. Aslanyan, Yerevan State University
L.K. Mouradian, Yerevan State University
A.H. Gevorgyan, Yerevan State University
N.H. Hakobyan, Yerevan State University
R.S. Zadoyan, Newport, USA
T.V. Galstian, Laval University, Canada
Tutorials will be delivered on photonics of dyes, cholesterics, the story of the liquid crystals from oddity to optical technology (1888-2011), laser scanning microscopy, polar asymmetry of optical fields, etc.
A note by Nelson Tabiryan, Chairman, BEAM Engineering fore Advanced Measurements Co., Florida, USA: Many of us that attended OLC meetings since their inception in 1986 (Naples, Italy) turn 25 years older next year. OLC'2011 will be marked by special sessions on materials and technologies that reflect the enormous progress we as a community made during that quarter of a century. Many developments that prove to be most important nowadays did not exist even as a concept only a few years ago: materials with colossal nonlinearities, thin films with 100% diffraction efficiency, hybrid material structures blending semiconductors and liquid crystals, zero-and negative-index materials, to mention a few. The success of OLC meetings has triggered a number of other meetings with similar scope. It is a welcome phenomenon providing people with more opportunities to travel and come together. However, I would not confuse a young wine with brandy stored in oak barrels in the cellars of the Ararat factory, waiting a decade for good company to uncork it. In the case of OLC, it is 25 years of aging. I would like to invite everyone to celebrate this anniversary with us in a most memorable setting.
The Social Event
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Armenia is often referred to as the ?museum under the open skies.? Thousands of historical and architectural monuments, some dating back to the 3rd millennium, B.C., are spread over a small area of less than 30,000 sq. meters. We therefore will have an opportunity of visiting several masterpieces of world architecture and cultural heritage within the one day dedicated traditionally to the social event at the OLC meetings. We plan to visit Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. Both are located near Yerevan.
Garni Temple is a unique survived example of pagan history. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
We will sample snacks at a local house in Garni where we will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking.
The twisty and scenic road will take us then following the Azat Gorge to the Geghard Monastery. Geghard monastery is a masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully curved in a huge rock. The complex known as Ayrivank (cave monastery), was later renamed Geghard (spear) as the spear used by the roman soldier to pierce Jesus Christ's side was kept in this monastery for many centuries. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and khachkars (cross-stones).
Website: http://www.olc2011.org/
Compiled by Azad-Hye
