Through the Lens

North American Coating Labs

Want to know more about what goes in specialized optics? Want to know some Hollywood special effects secrets? Curious about the optics world? Learn about the final optical design process from drawing to production and beyond!

  1. 10/01/2025

    We Didn't Start the Fire

    We Didn’t Start the Fire… but firefighters live in it every day. In this episode of Behind the Coating, we explore how a supplier set out to build the world’s first in-mask Thermal Intelligence System—and the challenge of protecting a plastic lens that had to survive the heat, smoke, and chaos of a burning building. Discover how North American Coating Laboratories used a dip-applied polysiloxane hard coat and a high-performance AR coating to transform a vulnerable lens into a rugged, mission-critical optic. Innovation, chemistry, and a nod to Billy Joel and Fall Out Boy all come together in this story of how coatings save lives.

    8 min

  2. 09/03/2021

    Under Pressure

    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 facts about the song Under Pressure and take a shallow dive into one of our favorite spoofs, Space Balls!

    14 min

  3. 08/20/2021

    Kaleidoscope

    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 not related). Sir David Brewster had an interesting and intense life. He was a child prodigy that was educated to join the clergy, but always had a passion for optical science. Dedicating his life to the study of refraction, polarization, and reflection, Brewster was able to educate generation after generation through his writings. We'll also touch on a lighthearted invention of his (hint: its the title of the episode) as well as his beef with biologist Charles Darwin. Join us as we take a look, Through the Lens, at Sir David Brewster!

    11 min

  4. 08/05/2021

    Currents

    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!

    11 min

  5. 07/23/2021

    Making Waves

    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? From proving Newton wrong to translating the Rosetta stone, Young had a major impact on the worlds of both optics and language. Join us to learn more. Plus, we’ll share how a common insult is actually a compliment. All this and more on this episode of Through the Lens!

    11 min

  6. 07/02/2021

    Not So Heavy Metals

    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 silver, but it can come in handy in certain applications. We will also share the benefits of gold in optical thin film coating applications from the earth to the moon and beyond! As a special bonus, the side bar will take you to the land of Oz!

    11 min

  7. 06/17/2021

    Sharks With Laser Beams

    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 of these on this episode of Through the Lens! Plus we'll discuss the impact of inflation on super villains as well as how sharks can be enhanced by head mounted laser beams. As a special bonus, we'll share how a military training tool became a birthday party staple!

    14 min

  8. 06/04/2021

    Wine Merchant or Optical Scientist?

    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'll tell you about an ancient phenomenon called "Divine Madness" as well as make a great book recommendation! Don't miss this episode of Through the Lens!

    11 min
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About

Want to know more about what goes in specialized optics? Want to know some Hollywood special effects secrets? Curious about the optics world? Learn about the final optical design process from drawing to production and beyond!

Information

  • Creator
    North American Coating Labs
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © North American Coating Labs
  • Show Website
    Through the Lens