Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) was founded in San Diego in 1976 by a group of skilled engineers who identified the need for an optical properties measurement lab to support Southern California’s burgeoning aerospace industry. Drawing on their extensive experience from working on military aircraft, missiles, satellites, and Apollo mission projects at renowned companies such as Douglas Aircraft Company, Lockheed, North American Aviation, and Convair, SOC’s founders established a premier lab equipped with unique instrumentation. Today, Surface Optics not only continues to be the leading provider of optical property measurements but also offers comprehensive analysis, enhancement, and application of optical characterization through our spectral imaging, reflectometer, and coating solutions.
Our Vision
Technology for Today’s Challenges
Surface Optics was founded with the vision of providing essential optical properties data to support national security and drive technological advancement. Our mission extends beyond this foundation, as we aim to design innovative optical property characterization and coating technologies that accelerate solutions to global challenges across industries.
Our Mission
Solve Problems Through Optical Property Characterization
Our mission at Surface Optics is to harness the power of optical property characterization to solve complex challenges for our defense, research and industrial customers. Through advanced technology and expert analysis, we empower our clients to unlock insights, optimize processes, and innovate with confidence.
Our Story
Over Forty Five Years and Going Strong
Explore our timeline page to discover the notable milestones in our journey of over 45 years of dedicated service to our customers.
Our Values
Quality From Products to Support
SOC’s corporate values inform everything we do, from our ongoing relationships with customers and partners to our daily interactions with team members across the organization.
- Team Member Happiness and Growth
- Quality
- Commitment
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Join the Team
Be a Part of What’s Next
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