Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM)

Xi an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, was founded in 1962 and is one of the largest CAS research institutes in Northwest China. After more than 60 years of development it has grown into a comprehensive institute focusing on strategic high-tech innovation and applied basic research in optics and photonics. XIOPM hosts the State Key Laboratory of Transient Optics and Photonics, three CAS key laboratories, and 32 research units with 914 staff including 364 senior researchers.

Core research areas include transient optics and photonics, high-resolution visible-light spatial information acquisition, optical remote sensing technology, interference spectrum imaging, high-speed optoelectronic information acquisition and processing, and advanced optical instruments. XIOPM is internationally recognized for its ultra-high-speed streak cameras; its scientists have twice received the High-Speed Imaging Gold Award.

In space optics XIOPM has developed space cameras, optical remote sensing instruments, and spectral imaging payloads deployed on Chinese Earth-observation satellites and deep-space missions including the lunar exploration program. Its optical instrument achievements have twice been selected among China Top Ten Scientific and Technological Progress events.

XIOPM has incubated over 295 hard-technology enterprises with a combined market capitalization exceeding 50 billion CNY, driving more than 8,000 jobs across photonics manufacturing, photonic information, and biophotonics industries. Designated a National Double Innovation Demonstration Base in 2017, the institute continues to lead innovation in space and ultrafast optical systems.