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a wide spectrum of optical filters


An optical filter typically is a flat glass (or plastic foil) that effects the transmitted light waves. Certain wavelengths are transmitted, absorbed, reflected or the wave orientation / polarisation is changed.

By Ellen Schoeller

Industrial Filter Types from Schneider-Kreuznach

Shortpass Filters

Functions of shortpass filters

  • Blocks longwave light down to cut-off wavelength
  • Transmits visible light (and UV)

Applications of shortpass filter

  • Block unwanted heat from light source or sun
  • Security
  • 3D Measurement
  • Combustion chamber monitoring in cement, glass or steel production

Typical specifications

  • Transmission > 90 %
  • Blocking ~ OD 3 
  • Not sensitive to AOI

Shortpass filter with transmission diagram allowing light below 615 nm to pass through

Longpass Filters

Functions of longpass filters

  • Transmit longer wavelength
  • Absorb shorter wavelength, e.g. Block UV + Visible light,
  • Transmit IR light
  • Enhance color effects of opposite color 

Applications of longpass filters 

  • Food inspection
  • Traffic
  • 3D Measurement
  • Medical 

Typical specifications

  • Transmission > 90 %
  • Blocking ~ OD 3 Longpass filter with transmission diagram, allowing light above 765 nm to pass through

Narrow Bandpass Filters

Function of narrow bandpass filters

  • Block all wavelength outside a selected interval

Application of narrow bandpass filters

  • Spectroscopy
  • Block or Select an illumination light source (LED or Laser)
  • Bioanalytics
  • Traffic
  • 3D Measurement
  • Medical

Typical Specifications

  • Transmission > 90 %
  • Blocking ~ OD 3

 Bandpass filter with transmission diagram, allowing light in the 465 nm range to pass through

Neutral Density Filters

Function of neutral density filters

  • Reduction of light intensity

Application of neutral density filters

  • Reduce the light intensitiy to avoid camera over exposure without affecting depth of field and diffraction limitations by not stopping down the iris    
  • Bright Scenes: Combustion chamber monitoring in glass or steel production
  • 3D Measurement

Typical specifications

  • Low reflection
  • With nearly constant absorption in VIS
  • Insensitive to AOI

Neutral density filter with transmission diagram showing uniform transmission across the spectrum

Polarizer Filters

Function of polarizer filters

  • Light is blocked if the orientation is orthogonal to the polarizer
  • Reflected light is partially polarized (depending on material and reflective angle) and can be eliminated from the picture if the right orientation of polarizer is found

Application of polarizer filters

  • Suppress or Reduce reflection
  • Traffic
  • Security
  • Quality control and Inspection in Food and Beverage
  • Filling and/ or packaging
  • 3D Projection
     Polarizing filter with transmission diagram showing constant transmission across the visible spectrum



What is light and color?


 

Diagram of the visible light spectrum next to an image of a rainbow, illustrating the wavelengths of different colors
  • Light is electromagnetic radiation
  • An electromagnetic wave comes with a specific wavelength
  • Sunlight contains a wide spectrum of light with different wavelengths
  • The wavelength defines the color we see

Working Principle of optical filters


 

Interference Filter
 Diagram of an interference filter showing incoming, reflected, and transmitted light

Interference Filter: Special thin film coatings on a glass substrate reflect certain wavelengths while others are transmitted.

Absorption Filter 
Diagram of light absorption by glass, showing incoming and transmitted light

Absorption / Color Glass Filter: A colored filter glass transmitts its own color and absorbs all others.


transmission declaration


 

Diagram of an optical filter showing the cut-on and cut-off wavelengths and the transmission bandwidth


FITTING SPECTRUM AND TRANSMISSION


The higher the filters transmission the better is the result.
 

 Two transmission curves showing wavelength transmission through different filters

Mechanical Bandwidth of our optical filters


 

 Technical drawings of various filter mounts, including P-Mount, SH-Mount, SN2-Mount, and DH-Mount
Mounts and Thicknesses
  • Mounts for Standardfilters in several diameters, even custom
  • Glass thickness 2 mm standard or 1 mm special
  • Turnable mounts for polarizers 
     

 

Custom optical filters


 

At Schneider-Kreuznach, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers by providing the highest quality optical solutions. We are pleased to be able to offer our entire range of optical filters as unmounted glass. This new option allows for greater flexibility and customization, ensuring that our filters can be seamlessly integrated into your specific applications.

Technical drawing of an optical filter side view

Understanding that every application has its unique demands, we also offers custom-shaped optical filters. Our  manufacturing capabilities allow us to produce filters in a variety of shapes and sizes. From non-standard dimensions to intricate geometric forms, we can work with you to create filters that perfectly match your requirements.

Various filter shapes, including rectangle, circle, triangle, heart, and hexagon
Get in Touch

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance with product selection, technical specifications, or general inquiries.

Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH
Ringstraße 132
55543 Bad Kreuznach | Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 671 601 205
isales(at)schneiderkreuznach.com
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