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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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 enthusiasm for orchids and other botanicals. Plus we will talk about the difference between Balsamic Vinegar and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and exactly what happens when a group of botanists have a disagreement. Kelley will also make a lame joke, who are we kidding, she'll make a few!

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 science. Join us as we take a look, through the lens at the Kitab al-Manazir, the Book of Optics. We also will touch on our favorite Indiana Jones moments, the origins of a famous cliché about denial, and a story about a rather eccentric ruler who definitely would've been friends with Cruella DeVille. As always, you can reach out to us for more information on optical coatings! Have a specific question that you want a deep dive answer to? Connect with us at nacl.com!