Posts by Holly Peterson
Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)
Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) Zinc Sulfide as an optical substrate refers to an infrared-transmitting crystalline material manufactured into optical windows, lenses, and protective components. Commonly used in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum, zinc sulfide is valued for its optical performance and environmental durability. Multispectral grades, such as Cleartran, also provide visible transmission,…
Read MoreZinc Selenide (ZnSe)
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Zinc Selenide as an optical substrate refers to a crystalline optical material manufactured into precision lenses, windows, and infrared components. Recognized for its broad transmission across the visible and infrared (IR) spectrum, zinc selenide is widely used in COâ‚‚ laser systems, thermal imaging, infrared spectroscopy, and optical sensing applications. Its low absorption…
Read MoreSapphire (Al₂O₃)
Sapphire (Alâ‚‚O₃) Sapphire as an optical substrate refers to single-crystal aluminum oxide manufactured into durable optical windows, lenses, and protective components. Known for its exceptional hardness, mechanical strength, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, sapphire provides optical transmission across the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and portions of the infrared (IR) spectrum. It is commonly used in…
Read MoreCalcium Fluoride (CaFâ‚‚)
Calcium Flouride (CaFâ‚‚) Calcium Fluoride as an optical substrate refers to a crystalline material manufactured into precision windows, lenses, prisms, and optical components. Known for its broad transmission range from the ultraviolet (UV) through the infrared (IR) spectrum, low refractive index, and low chromatic dispersion, calcium fluoride is commonly used in UV imaging, spectroscopy, laser…
Read MoreSilicon (Si)
Silicon (Si) Silicon as an optical substrate refers to single-crystal or polycrystalline semiconductor material shaped and polished into windows, lenses, mirrors, and photonic components designed to manipulate light, most notably in the near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and portions of the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) spectrum. Silicon is commonly used in infrared sensing, laser systems, semiconductor…
Read MoreGermanium (Ge)
Germanium (Ge) Germanium as an optical substrate refers to a high-refractive-index semiconductor material manufactured into precision lenses, windows, and other optical components designed primarily for the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum. Known for its infrared transmission and high refractive index, germanium is widely used in thermal imaging, infrared cameras, night vision systems,…
Read MoreOptical Filters in LiDAR and Laser Technology
While lasers have long been integral to defense applications, their impact now spans manufacturing, environmental monitoring, biomedical imaging, aerospace, and autonomous systems. At the core of these laser-based systems are optical filters, precision components that control light transmission, block unwanted wavelengths, and enhance measurement accuracy. However, wavelength isn’t the only consideration. Filter selection is driven…
Read MoreBEAM: Breakthroughs – How Andover Corporation’s Advanced Coating Technology Powers NASA’s PUNCH Mission
In the demanding realm of space-based solar observation, precision optical components must withstand extreme conditions while delivering uncompromising performance. NASA’s recently launched PUNCH (Polarimeter to UNify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission exemplifies this challenge, requiring specialized optical filters and coatings capable of operating in the harsh environment of space while providing critical data about our…
Read MoreBEAM: Breakthroughs – When Precision Meets the Battlefield
How Andover’s Dual-Band Optical Filters Power the Apache AH-64’s Advanced Targeting Systems. Part of our BEAM (Breakthroughs, Engineering, And Minds) Behind the Light series.
Read MoreBEAM Spotlight Series: Dave Litwinovich — Three Decades of Engineering Excellence
As part of our BEAM Spotlight Series (BEAM: Engineering), we’re proud to highlight the people behind the precision—those who quietly push boundaries and build the systems that keep Andover Corporation moving forward. Few embody that spirit more than Dave Litwinovich, our Vice President of Technology, who has spent nearly three decades transforming not just our engineering department, but the entire foundation of our production capabilities.
Read More