CUSTOM OPTICAL FILTERS

Custom Optical Filters

Optical Filters transmit light of different wavelengths to attenuate or enhance an image and to transmit or reflect specific wavelengths. All Optical Filters pass, absorb, and/or reflect light.

We have a large variety of Optical Filters available at Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. Below is a listing of the most commonly used in the optical industry today.

Colored Glass Filters	Colored glass filters are made from special filter glass material with different absorption and/or transmission properties across a specified spectral region. The raw material for colored glass filters can be in sheets, strips, blanks or blocks.
Colored Glass Filter Material	Blanks Blocks Sheets Strips
Colored Glass Suppliers	Hoya Isuzu Kopp Optima Schott

Heat Absorbing Filters

Heat absorbing filter glass will transmit visible light and absorb infrared radiation. The absorbed IR is dissipated as heat into the cooled air around the optical assembly. Heat absorbing filters are typically tempered or toughened (heat treated) so that the glass will not crack due to the expansion and contraction caused by the heating and cooling. The tempering department at Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. has 5 ovens to handle all types and sizes of glass

Heat Absorbing Glasses Recommended

Schott Series: KG1, KG2, KG3, KG5
Hoya Series: HA-30, HA-15, HA-50
Isuzu Series: ISK-150, ISK-157, ISK-167, ISK-171, ISK-370

Long Pass Filters

These filters pass long wavelengths only and are made from colored glass filter material and/or special optical coatings.

Long Pass Filters Glasses Recommended

Schott Series: WG, GG, OG, RG
Hoya Series: UV, Y, O, R
Optima Series: WB, JB, CB, HB

Short Pass Filters

These filters pass only short wavelengths and are also made from colored glass filter material and/or special optical coatings.

Short Pass Filters Glasses Recommended

Schott Series: KG & BG
Hoya Series: HA, & B
Optima Series: GBR & QB

Neutral Density Filters

Neutral Density or ND Filters evenly reduce the transmission across a portion of a certain spectrum (wavelength) visible, ultraviolet or infrared. There are two types of ND Filters: absorptive and reflective. The absorptive filter absorbs light that is transmitted through a specified filter glass. A reflective filter reflects the light back using a specified optical coating.

Neutral Density Glasses Reccommended

Schott Series: NG
Hoya Series: ND
Optima Series: AB

Dichroic filters have an optical coating that transmits and reflects a given spectrum. They are typically used as color filters and are slightly angle sensitive.

Bandpass filters have either extremely narrow band (<2nm to 10nm) or they have a broadband (50nm to 80nm) transmission across the filter. They are very angle sensitive care must be taken when installing in an optical assembly.

Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. has an extensive Quality Control Department that utilizes both traditional and statistical measuring methods. All jobs have first-piece and in process quality control operations through the production process. Each and eve

Calipers 10) 4 With Mini Processors
Mics
Granit Surface Plate 24” X 18” X 2”
Jo Blocks (Certified)
Angle Blocks
Protractors(2)
Scratch Dig Set (Certified)
Optical Bench And Laser, Spectra Physics 155
Spectrophotometer, Lamba 3b Uv/Vis
Height Indicator Electronic, Mitutoyo
Microscopes(2)
Optical Flat (Certified)

Polarascopes (2)
Shock Tester
Drop Ball Tester
Thermal Oven
Low Temp. Chamber
Abrasion Tester
Laser, Spectra Physics
Laser Diode, Lisiris

Long Pass or Short Pass Filters?

Long pass filters allow longer wavelengths of light to pass through while blocking shorter wavelengths, making them suitable for applications like blocking UV light while allowing visible and IR light. Short pass filters, on the other hand, allow shorter wavelengths to pass while blocking longer wavelengths, often used to remove IR light while allowing visible light to pass. The choice between them depends on the specific optical system needs and desired wavelengths of light.

Why Use Colored Glass Filters?

Colored glass filters for custom optics are specialized optical components crafted from glass infused with materials to selectively transmit or block particular wavelengths of light. They serve diverse purposes, such as isolating specific colors, attenuating light intensity, facilitating fluorescence studies, and correcting optical aberrations. These filters find applications in photography, spectroscopy, microscopy, and more, offering benefits like enhanced color balance, protective functions for lenses, and the creation of artistic effects. The choice of materials and manufacturing processes determines their spectral characteristics, making them versatile tools for manipulating light in various industries and scientific endeavors.

What is the Purpose of Heat Absorbing Filters?

Heat absorbing filters for custom optical components are designed to selectively block or absorb specific wavelengths of light, particularly infrared (IR) radiation and heat-producing wavelengths. Their primary purpose is to manage thermal effects in optical systems by reducing unwanted heat, which can damage sensitive components or degrade performance. These filters find applications in diverse fields, including photography, laser systems, architectural and automotive glass, and lighting. They help improve light quality, enhance energy efficiency, protect optical components, and ensure safety by blocking harmful IR radiation. The choice of filter material and design parameters depends on the specific application requirements, making heat absorbing filters essential tools for controlling heat and IR radiation in optical systems.

How Do Neutral Density Filters Impact Custom Optical Components?

Neutral density (ND) filters are optical components widely used in custom optics and photography to uniformly reduce the intensity of light without altering its color properties. These versatile filters play a crucial role in exposure control, enabling photographers and cinematographers to manage lighting conditions by adjusting shutter speed and aperture, allowing for creative effects like motion blur and shallow depth of field in bright environments. They are also valuable in balancing exposures in high-contrast scenes and facilitating long exposure and astrophotography. In custom optics, ND filters provide precise control over light intensity, finding applications in scientific and industrial settings where controlled exposure is critical. Custom ND filters can be tailored to specific optical systems, ensuring accurate light management for research, measurement, and imaging needs.

What Is the Difference Between Dichroic and Bandpass Filters?

Dichroic filters and bandpass filters are distinct optical components used in custom optics with differing spectral characteristics and functions. Dichroic filters, employing interference coatings, selectively transmit or reflect light at specific wavelengths, making them ideal for applications like fluorescence microscopy and color separation in imaging systems. In contrast, bandpass filters, designed with multiple layers, transmit a narrow range of wavelengths while blocking others, allowing for precise spectral control. Bandpass filters find use in spectroscopy, remote sensing, and any scenario requiring accurate spectral filtering. The choice between these filters depends on the specific optical system's needs, whether it involves wavelength separation and combination (dichroic) or precise spectral isolation (bandpass).