On this very special episode we go back to basics to answer the question: What is vacuum coating?Under Pressure will give you a solid baseline of information for a better understanding of optical thin film coating, plus we’ll share some fun fa

Kaleidoscope

Aug 20th, 2021 11m 25s

Today we are tackling Brewster's Angle and the man behind the formula! We'll take you on a journey through the life and contributions of Sir David Brewster as well as sharing a few facts about the 1980s classic, Brewster's Millions (they are no

Currents

Aug 5th, 2021 10m 56s

Join us for a quick look into conductive coatings including Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). We'll also go through the various deposition methods and applications for this specialized coating. Plus, one of the hosts will reveal something shocking!

Making Waves

Jul 23rd, 2021 11m 11s

Join us for a special episode of Through the Lens! We are exploring the life. Work, and legacy of another historical optical scientist: Thomas Young. Was he a jack of all trades and a master of none or are we missing the message of that saying?

Not So Heavy Metals

Jul 2nd, 2021 10m 46s

On this special episode of Through the Lens we take you through the murky history of the Georgia Gold rush. We also share why aluminum is one of the most attractive metals in optics. Just like werewolves, optics are not the biggest fans of silv

Sharks With Laser Beams

Jun 17th, 2021 14m 18s

What are laser damage thresholds? How can we protect delicate and specialized optics from the harmful wavelengths? What steps should optical fabricators and coating experts take to mitigate this issues related to laser damage? We'll explore all

Wine Merchant or Optical Scientist?

Jun 4th, 2021 10m 40s

Explore the life of microscopic lens pioneer Joseph Jackson Lister! Learn how being a wine merchant allowed him the flexibility to have the ultimate optical side hustle as well as how he influenced his son to change the face of surgery! Plus, I

Plants and Prisms

Apr 29th, 2021 11m 43s

Join us as we take a look through the lens at the life and impact of Italian Astronomer Giovanni Battista Amici. From his birth and upbringing in Modena Italy to his work in microscopes and telescopes in Florence. We also will discuss his enthu

The Father of Modern Optics

Mar 19th, 2021 13m 41s

Today we take a deep dive into the life and work of Al-Haytham, the Father of Modern Optics. This 11th century mathematician and scientist was one of the first to champion the scientific method and quite literally wrote the book on optical scie

We'll Leave the Light On

Mar 5th, 2021 19m 30s

This episode of Through the Lens is dedicated to one man and his lens. Together Dan and Kelley explore the life and work of Augustin Jean Fresnel and the lens that sits in the top of all lighthouses. From his French Revolution Jansenism Catholi

IR's Precious Substrates

Feb 19th, 2021 9m 12s

Although many materials could be used for photonic applications in the IR. Only a select few are used in IR imaging and optical systems. Join us as we take a look, Through the Lens, at some of the precious and rare materials used in infrared ap

Harder Better Faster Stronger

Feb 5th, 2021 12m 7s

From military tactical displays to the world of Tron, visors have made major impact on our world. But how do manufacturers turn a curved piece of plastic into a fully functional visor? What optical coatings can be used to enhance these visors?

Keep it Clean

Jan 22nd, 2021 12m 14s

What does metal forging and optical coating have in common? You gotta have a clean substrate to have end product success! Join us in our season premiere as we discuss the importance of proper cleaning and packaging as well as recommended method

Life is a Highway

Dec 11th, 2020 12m 33s

We’ve got something special for all you gearheads on the season finale of Through the Lens! We complete our series on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles by taking a nice drive down the highway of optical coatings in automotive applications! Plus w

All Aboard!

Nov 20th, 2020 13m 20s

We continue our series on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles! This week we look at training and development in the optical engineering world! Don’t worry, we have some fun facts about trains, board games, and action movies too. Join us as we take

Way of the Future

Nov 2nd, 2020 12m 32s

Welcome to our new series! Planes, Trains, and Automobiles! On this episode we focus on the optical coatings that are used in aircraft applications! From ITO to Gold to Polysiloxane, the world of optical coatings and aviation are intertwined. P

Protect Your Plastics!

Oct 16th, 2020 10m 7s

High touch plastic surfaces are in danger from every day wear and tear from chemicals, sunscreen, bug sprays, debris. What can you do to keep them safe? Dip-applied hardcoating is your answer! But how does dip coating work? And what does protec

Coatings in Space: The Sequel

Oct 2nd, 2020 11m 22s

Where we’re going we don’t need roads! We couldn’t help ourselves! We wanted to share a little more about optical coatings in the vacuum of space! Learn a little bit about laser damage and why gold is so important to NASA! Plus we’ll talk about

Space: The Final Frontier

Sep 15th, 2020 11m 32s

It’s time to blast off for part one of our 2 part series: Coatings In Space! On this episode of Through the Lens we will look at coatings that are well suited for Space. We will focus on coatings that exist within the safety of a space craft. O

Hydrophobic Coatings

Aug 28th, 2020 9m 53s

Greek Mythology, 90s classic family films, comic books, and wizards come together to teach you about hydrophobic coatings! This coating technology touches nearly everyone because their main function...protecting touchscreen displays from finger

That’s Abrasive Part 3

Aug 14th, 2020 3m 46s

What does the highest grossing meat product have to do with a standard auto feature? And why are we talking about either when we should be talking about optical coatings? Take a 3 minute break and look Through the Lens at part 3 of our 3 part s

That’s Abrasive Part 2

Jul 31st, 2020 10m 42s

What do the 1996 Olympics have to do with Goodyear? Find out on That’s Abrasive Part 2! This is part 2 of our 3 part series on coating durability requirements is dedicated to Severe Abrasion! Learn a little bit about the MIL-Spec surrounding se

That’s Abrasive Part 1

Jul 17th, 2020 5m

Curious how durable optical coatings are? Well we have the series for you! That’s Abrasive Parts 1-3 will explain the specifications for coating durability. From moderate to extreme testing, we’ll dive into how designers test their coatings and

Mirror Mirror

Jul 6th, 2020 9m 39s

From reflections in pools of water to high powered reflectors in outer space, mirrors play a big role in our daily lives! But how do we make modern mirrors? What materials are used? What are their applications? And how did a mirror, a poisoned

Micro Episode: Optical Fibers

Jun 19th, 2020 4m 13s

Have five minutes to spare to learn a little bit about one of the most versatile optics in the world? Sit back, relax, and enjoy a minisode dedicated to optical fibers! Bonus: we’re also going to talk about the 1999 hit, The Mummy!