Generic filters
Exact matches only

Optical Filters

Optical Filters are elements with specific spectral transmission characteristics.

They are used to modify the properties of a light source or to block unwanted wavelengths of light.

There are two different types of optical filters, depending on the physical principle exploited during the manufacturing process:

absorption filters (colour filters) and dielectric filters.

Physical PrinciplePricePower HandlingAngle ToleranceThicknessDysfunctionsReflectionRoHS-Conform
AbsorptionLowHeating due to absorption: may break at high powerWide angle toleranceLevel of blocking depends on thickness. Typ. 2 – 3mmMay fluorescence when blocking UV lightLowMany types “No” but with “legal” exeption status
DielectricHigh in small volumes. Low to mid in high volumesWithstand high optical power due to low absorptionFunctional spectrum blue shifts with angleMay be very thin eg 0.5mmNoneLow in transmission region. High in blocking regionYes

Absorption Filters (Colour Filters)

Absorption filters (colour filters) function on the basis of choosing a glass recipe with chromophoric constituents which absorb a specific range of wavelengths.

Typically these are long pass edge filters, but some bandpass types with limited functionality are available.

Note that this filter type may fluoresce when used for blocking UV light.


Dielectric Filters (Interference Filters)

Dielectric filters (Interference Filters) absorb very little light. The functionality is based on reflection of the unwanted spectral regions based on optical interference within the layer structure of the filter coating.

These optical filters can be manufactured for use in the UV, visible and IR.

In order to reduce the number of coating layers – and thus the cost – a combination may be made by dielectric coating a colour (absorption type) glass substrate. This is common for some bandpass filters.

Interference filters have a complex coating structure consisting of several layers. They allow high transmission for a sharply limited wavelength range and also a high blocking of the remaining spectrum.

The blocking of the light spectrum is described by the wavelength-dependent optical density OD. A transmission of 0.1% corresponds to an optical density of 4 and a transmission of 10% to an optical density of 1.

Different types of filters can be produced by the interference layers. The highest possible attenuation over a broadband wavelength range can be achieved by using neutral density filters.

Bandpass filters characterize a highly transmissive region for single wavelengths or narrow wavelength ranges.

Optical shortpass filters transmit light up to a certain wavelength and optical longpass filters transmit light only above a certain wavelength.

Such filters are found, for example, as heat blocking filters, also known as hot mirrors, or correspondingly as cold blocking filters, also known as cold mirrors.

The optical filter types are represented below as symbolic transmission curves as a function of wavelength:

Functional types:

We offer optical filters cut to any shape. Black anodized aluminium rings may be provided for ease of mounting.

SpecificationsAbsorption FiltersDielectric Filters
Range of dimensions1mm – 300mm1mm – 300mm
Highest available surface figureλ/4 (DIN: 3/0,5)λ/4 (DIN: 3/0,5)
Highest available surface quality40-20 S/D (DIN: 5/2×0,16)40-20 S/D (DIN: 5/2×0,16)
Highest available tolerance of beam deviation3” (arcsec)3” (arcsec)
BlockingOD3 (standard), OD5 (high blocking)
Contact Steve

Dr. Steven Wright

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS

Contact Anja

Anja Weets

OPTICS

Contact Rolf

Rolf Jaspers

Instruments