Optical Filters

Filters tailored to your project

Schneider-Kreuznach Industry

Filters

Optical filters improve the performance and accuracy of optical systems by selectively transmitting, reflecting or blocking specific wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths. The filters are critical components in several high-precision applications, including machine vision, spectroscopy, and medical imaging such as fluorescence microscopy.

Find the Right Optical Filter with our selector

Our interactive filter selector helps you narrow down the optimal optical filter based on technical parameters such as wavelength range, center wavelength, bandwidth, filter type, and mechanical size. You can compare different filter models side-by-side and access datasheets, transmission curves, and availability status at a glance. Whether you're working on a new machine vision setup, fine-tuning a fluorescence imaging system, or building a custom inspection device – the right filter is critical for achieving high-contrast, high-precision results.

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What Are Optical Filters and Why Are They Essential?

Typically made of glass or plastic, optical filters are an integral part of many applications. Be it polarizing filters for life science applications or bandpass filters for biomedical applications, understanding the characteristics of the filters is essential: Dichroic filters, also known as interference filters, reflect unwanted wavelengths and transmit desired wavelengths, while absorptive filters absorb specific wavelengths.

At Schneider-Kreuznach, we design and manufacture both the mechanics and the coating of our high-quality optical filters. This enables us to produce customized optical filters that meet your exact requirements and guarantee the highest quality standards. Use our filter selector below to find the best option for your application.

^{Schneider-Kreuznach production industrial optical filters}

How Do Optical Filters Work? The Basic Principles

Optical filters feature materials and coatings with specific transmission and reflection properties. These materials are designed to either transmit certain wavelengths while blocking others or reflect certain wavelengths while transmitting the rest. The design of these filters is based on the principles of interference and absorption, which determine how different wavelengths interact with the filter material.

Two transmission curves showing wavelength transmission through different filters

^{The diagram shows how the total spectrum (right) results from multiplying the light source's spectrum (left) by the filter's transmission curve (center).}

^{From theory to reality: Bandpass filters like the BP 465-70 HT (pictured) are the physical components engineered to produce the precise transmission curves shown in the diagrams}

The Main Types of Optical Filters

Optical filters are precision devices designed to selectively transmit or block specific wavelengths of light. They improve the performance of optical systems by allowing only desired wavelengths to pass while blocking unwanted light. This selective transmission is essential in a wide variety of scientific, medical, and industrial applications. Schneider-Kreuznach offers several types of optical filters that are designed for specific applications:

Bandpass Filters

Transmit a defined
wavelength range

Narrow Bandpass Filter Filter with Graph

Transmit a small defined
wavelength range

Schneider-Kreuznach Industrial Optical SWIR Filters

See the invisible

Block longwave light down
to the cut-off-wavelength

Block shortwave light up
to the cut-on-wavelength

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

Reduce brightness without
effecting the colors

Reduce reflections and
increases contrast

Schneider-Kreuznach Polarizer Filter IFK P-W 64 0.4

Film to reduce reflections
and increase contrast

Protect lenses and sensors against
external influences and dirt

Absorb unwanted
wavelengths

Reproducibility and Reliability: Rely on the consistent performance of our filters for precise results, even after years.
Optical precision: Highest flatness and minimal wavefront deformation guarantee images without loss of quality.
Wide selection: Choose from a variety of filter types and coatings to meet your specific needs.
Flexible sizes: Our filters are available in a variety of diameters to suit your applications.
Robust Mechanics: Rely on metal mounts for a durable and reliable filtration solution.
Highest reproducibility, reliability and excellent image quality.

Markets and Applications of optical Filters

Our optical filters for the industry are used in a wide range of markets and applications, from manufacturing to medical, logistics, inspection and aerospace. If you would like to learn more about the wide range of our optical filters, please visit the following pages to find out, for example, how the filters can impact on production processes or entire logistics chains. Optical filters improve the performance and accuracy of optical systems in many different applications. In fluorescence microscopy optical filters isolate specific fluorescent signals, in spectroscopy optical filters analyze the spectral properties of substances, in medical imaging optical filters improve image contrast and clarity, and in machine vision systems optical filters leverage quality control and inspection processes.

Machine Vision

Automated Optical Inspection

Display and Electronics

Medical

Renewable energy

Logistics

Automotive

Defense

Aerospace

Food and Beverage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I clean Optical Filters?

Optical filters require careful handling to avoid damaging their delicate surfaces. Begin by using a soft air blower to remove loose dust and debris. Next, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a lint-free cloth or lens tissue. Gently wipe the filter surface in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid using excessive force or abrasive materials that may scratch or damage the filter coating.

Schneider-Kreuznach and B+W Filters

Schneider-Kreuznach is a leading manufacturer of optical filters for industrial applications. As the manufacturer of B+W filters, renowned among photographers worldwide, we bring decades of expertise in filter technology to a wide range of industries. Our filters are trusted for their precision, durability and performance in critical applications where optical clarity and reliability are essential. Whether you need standard filters or custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, Schneider-Kreuznach ensures high-quality optical filters that meet your requirements.

Technical terms of our Optical Filters

BP = Bandpass

NBP= Narrow Bandpass

SP = Shortpass

LP = Longpass

ND = Neutral Density

IFK = Industry Filters Käsemann

HT = High Transmission

AUF = Polarizer

E/MRC = "Einfach vergütet"/"Multi Resistant Coating"

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Optical Filters

Find the Right Optical Filter with our selector

Lens selector

Product brochure

Any questions?

What Are Optical Filters and Why Are They Essential?

How Do Optical Filters Work? The Basic Principles

The Main Types of Optical Filters

Bandpass Filters

Narrow Bandpass Filters

SWIR Filters

Shortpass Filters

Longpass Filters

Neutral Density Filters

Polarizer Filters

Polarizing Film

Protection Filters

Color Filters

Key Advantages of Using our High-Quality Filters

Markets and Applications of optical Filters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I clean Optical Filters?

Schneider-Kreuznach and B+W Filters

Technical terms of our Optical Filters