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Thomas Grubb – Ireland’s Optical Pioneer

By Rick Shagoury | March 17, 2025
This St. Patrick's Day, we celebrate Thomas Grubb, a pioneering Irish optical engineer whose groundbreaking telescope designs shaped modern astronomy....
A drone equipped with an advanced optical sensor hovers over a wildfire as a person monitors infrared imagery on a tablet. The display shows heat signatures, highlighting the role of optical technology in wildfire prevention and detection. Remote sensing optics, including thermal imaging and infrared sensors, are crucial for early fire detection, situational awareness, and risk mitigation in wildfire-prone areas.

Optical Filters for Wildfire Management

By Holly Peterson | January 16, 2025
Wildfires are among nature's most destructive forces, leaving behind devastation that impacts lives, ecosystems, and infrastructure. At Andover Corporation, we...
extreme temputure

How Optical Technology Keeps Us Safe in Winter Weather

By Holly Peterson | December 23, 2024
How Optical Technology Keeps Us Safe in Winter Weather How Optical Technology Keeps Us Safe in Winter Weather Winter brings...
Close-up of a modern infrared security camera with illuminated LED lights, capturing details in low-light conditions. The vibrant blue and pink lighting highlights the advanced optics used in surveillance and infrared imaging.

Reliable Alternatives to Germanium for Infrared Optics

By Rick Shagoury | December 4, 2024
Germanium has been a key material in infrared optics for decades, valued for its excellent transmission properties and thermal conductivity....
drone scanning crop

The Role of Optical Components in Thanksgiving Dinner

By Holly Peterson | November 26, 2024
The Role of Optical Components in Thanksgiving Dinner The Role of Optical Components in Thanksgiving Dinner Published by Andover Corporation on Nov 26,...
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Celebrating Italian-American Heritage in Optical Science: The Legacy of L.M. Narducci

By Rick Shagoury | October 4, 2024
The Legacy of L.M. Narducci Celebrating Italian-American Heritage in Optical Science: The Legacy of L.M. Narducci Published by Andover Corporation on Oct 4,...
A close-up of a modern targeting pod displayed on a clear stand at an outdoor exhibition. The pod features multiple optical windows, which may utilize chalcogenide glass for enhanced infrared performance. A caution label warns of rotating parts, highlighting the pod’s gimbal stabilization system. Targeting pods like this are essential for military aircraft, providing advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) capabilities for precision targeting and reconnaissance.

Enhancing Precision in Defense: Optical Components for Targeting Pods

By Rick Shagoury | September 16, 2024
In the rapidly evolving world of defense technology, targeting pods play a pivotal role in modern military operations. These advanced...
A formation of advanced stealth fighter jets flying above the clouds, with the lead aircraft prominently featured in the foreground. The aircraft's sleek design integrates cutting-edge aerospace optics and sensor systems, including electro-optical targeting and infrared detection for enhanced situational awareness and precision targeting. Modern aviation relies on high-performance optical coatings and materials, such as chalcogenide glass, to optimize visibility, targeting accuracy, and operational effectiveness in diverse combat environments.

Celebrating National Aviation Day

By Rick Shagoury | August 20, 2024
National Aviation Day, celebrated every year on August 19th, was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to commemorate...
A satellite orbits Earth against the backdrop of space, with its solar panels extended and various instrumentation visible. The satellite's reflective surfaces and sensors highlight the importance of space-qualified optics and optical filters, which enhance image clarity, reduce glare, and protect sensitive components from harsh space environments.

Space-Qualified Optical Filters

By Rick Shagoury | July 19, 2024
In the unforgiving environment of space, the reliability and precision of optical components can make or break a mission. At...
A mesmerizing, prismatic view through a teleidoscope, showcasing a kaleidoscopic pattern of vibrant, refracted light. The intricate geometric reflections create a dynamic interplay of colors, with crystalline shapes forming a symmetrical, ever-shifting optical display. Unlike a traditional kaleidoscope, a teleidoscope transforms real-world scenes into abstract patterns using an optical lens and mirrors, making it a fascinating optical instrument for exploring symmetry and light refraction.

Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring John Burnside’s Legacy of Innovation

By Rick Shagoury | June 1, 2024
As Pride Month begins on June 1st, we take a moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of John Burnside-a visionary...
A high-altitude astronomical observatory dome at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, surrounded by clouds during a stunning sunset. The facility houses advanced telescopes used for deep-space exploration and astrophotography, taking advantage of the location’s clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions.

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Through Science and Culture

By Rick Shagoury | May 15, 2024
AAPI Heritage Month is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across various...
A collection of red-tinted chalcogenide glass optics, including circular, square, and cylindrical components, sourced from SCHOTT North America. These infrared optical materials are used in advanced optical systems for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. Chalcogenide glass provides superior infrared transmission and thermal stability, making it a valuable alternative to germanium for IR optics.

Chalcogenide Glass: Advancing Optical Innovation in Defense

By Rick Shagoury | April 22, 2024
In the world of optical engineering for defense applications, material selection plays a crucial role in system performance, durability, and...
Maria Josefa Yzuel, a distinguished physicist, sits in a laboratory surrounded by optical instruments and precision optics setups. She is known for her contributions to optical physics, particularly in the fields of diffractive optics and polarization. Her work has advanced applications in imaging, optical filtering, and photonics. The background features shelves with scientific books and equipment, reflecting her extensive research and academic contributions to optical sciences.

Celebrating Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel

By Rick Shagoury | March 8, 2024
As part of Andover Corporation's ongoing celebration of women pioneers in optics, this blog shines a spotlight on María Josefa...
Forensic Blog

Optics in Forensics: Advancing Criminal Investigations

By Andover Corporation | November 3, 2021
Forensic science has played a vital role in criminal investigations for thousands of years. From magnifying glasses used in early...
A 3D-rendered illustration of an autonomous vehicle using LiDAR technology for navigation and safety. The image highlights key LiDAR-enabled features such as lane change assist, emergency braking, parking aid system, and blind spot detection. The vehicle's sensors scan the surrounding environment, detecting nearby cars and road obstacles to enhance driving automation and collision avoidance.

Optimizing LiDAR Performance with Optical Coatings and Filters

By Andover Corporation | June 30, 2021
LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) technology is rapidly transforming industries by providing high-resolution, real-time mapping and sensing capabilities. Unlike RADAR,...

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