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NEW Webcast: The Keys to Optical Customisation Success

A set of lenses

Image Credit: sosn-a/Shutterstock

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May 7th 2026 - 3pm BST

In association with

 
Join our exclusive expert panel discussion to learn how to optimise customisation of your lens-based application, at scale 


Manufacturing businesses dealing in lens-based applications often face a key challenge: scaling from prototype concepts to high-volume commercial products. Firms across various sectors aim to find the right supplier for bespoke optical projects, in the aim to satisfy evolving customer demands. This calls for complete alignment with extensive criteria on both sides of the partnership.

From compatibility of capabilities to common company values, the expertise brought by both parties in such a partnership must complement each other every step of the way. Any possible misstep when bringing together customised lens creation and machinery, for a specific use case, can cost wasted time and resources.

This online panel discussion will explore best practices for optical customisation, the benefits of customised lenses versus off-the-shelf solutions, and how to find the right commercialisation partner to successfully make the jump from prototype to volume.


Who should attend? 

This online panel discussion is designed for: 

  • Imaging system integration leaders looking for guidance when installing custom lenses
  • Optical designers or system engineers looking to optimise their customisation strategy
  • Manufacturers operating across optical supply chains underpinned by project partnerships
  • Business leaders in critical industries including aerospace, defence and medical spaces 
     

What you will learn 

  • The benefits of a partnership focused on customised lenses
  • Success stories from experts focused on driving value from bespoke solutions
  • Top tips for choosing the right supply partner for specific internal and customer needs

  • Strategies for building towards a scalable optical application that utilises customised lenses 

     

Speakers 

Sam Burchfield 
Customer Service and Marketing Manager at LaCroix Precision Optics 


Sam Burchfield is the Customer Service Manager at LaCroix Precision Optics, a family-owned precision optics manufacturer with over 70 years of experience serving defense, aerospace, and scientific markets. With nearly a decade at LaCroix, Sam has become a trusted partner to customers navigating one of the most critical transitions in any optics program — moving from prototype to full-scale production. 

In his role, Sam works directly with engineers and program managers to align customer requirements with LaCroix's vertically integrated design, fabrication, and testing capabilities. He brings a customer-first perspective to the complexities of scaling optics programs, helping teams anticipate challenges before they become costly delays. Sam's hands-on experience bridging the gap between early development and volume production makes him a valuable voice for anyone looking to scale with confidence.

  
Martin Ettenberg 
Founder of IRConsult, LLC 


Dr. Martin Ettenberg is currently the founder of IRConsult, LLC, a consulting company focused on helping startups with business, marketing, product, and technical issues in the commercial and DoD space. Martin was the CEO and Founder of Princeton Infrared Technologies, Inc., for 12 years - a company dedicated to commercialization of NIR/SWIR detection and imaging technologies. This award-winning company had deployed many imaging systems in space and in commercial inspection systems. He had been developing InGaAs detectors for over 25 years starting at Sensors Unlimited Inc./Goodrich Corporation. 

Martin led the development of the first night-vision-capable InGaAs camera, which was later commercialized as the SU320MX. In addition to fabricating larger focal plane arrays and more sensitive cameras he was instrumental in developing smaller cameras for robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. His DARPA work led to his nomination in 2005 for the DARPA Significant Achievement Award. He is a SPIE fellow and was honored to be on the Photonics 100 list in 2024 from Electro Optics Magazine. Dr. Martin H. Ettenberg graduated with a Masters and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Virginia Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering. He also received his BS in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University.

  



More speakers to be announced shortly.

Register your spot today to learn more about how you can optimise your optical customisation strategy with the right supply partner.

Having trouble registering? For any technical queries, get in touch at webcast@europascience.com.

Read more about:

Optics, Aerospace, The Photonics Frontiers Award

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