How to choose the right optical filter
Filters are made of plastic or glass sheets with special dyes added. Red filters only allow red light to pass through, and so on. The transmittance of glass is originally similar to that of air, and all colors of light can pass through, so it is transparent.
Optical Filters are made of plastic or glass sheets with special dyes added. Red filters only allow red light to pass through, and so on. The transmittance of the glass piece of the original and the air is almost the same, all the color light can be passed, so it is transparent, but after dyeing the dye, the molecular structure changes, the refractive index also changes, the passage of certain colors of light on the change. For example, a beam of white light through the blue filter shoots a beam of blue light, green light, and red light very little, most of which is absorbed by the filter.
Optical filters are indispensable components in various industries, playing a crucial role in enhancing precision and accuracy in optical systems. These filters are designed to transmit or reject specific wavelengths of light, allowing users to manipulate light sources and separate desired wavelengths. When it comes to optical filters, the quality and performance rely heavily on the materials used in their construction.
Optical Glass: A Foundation for Superior Performance
The foundation of high-quality optical filters lies in the use of optical glass. Specially formulated to possess precise refractive indexes and dispersion properties, optical glass ensures the filters have exceptional optical clarity and minimal transmission losses. Optical glass offers excellent homogeneity, low birefringence, and low impurity levels. With exceptional light transmission properties and minimal stray light generation, optical glass filters deliver outstanding performance in a variety of demanding applications.
Silicates, Borates, and Phosphates: Expanding Application Possibilities
Optical filters embrace a wide range of materials, each contributing to specific functionalities. Silicate-based materials, such as quartz, offer high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and transmission in the ultraviolet (UV) range. Borate materials excel in the visible to mid-infrared range, promising exceptional performance across a broad spectrum. Additionally, they exhibit good thermal stability and resistance to humidity, making them suitable for harsh environments. Phosphate materials facilitate enhanced performance in the mid-infrared range while providing excellent resistance to thermal shocks and mechanical stress.
Fluorides: Excelling in Ultraviolet and Infrared Regions
Fluoride-based optical filters are well-regarded for their superior transmission properties across the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These filters exhibit low refractive index, low dispersion, and very high transmission, making them ideal for applications requiring low losses and minimal color aberrations. With exceptional resistance to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, fluoride filters provide reliable and stable performance across a wide range of challenging environments.
Sulfur Compounds: Expanding Possibilities in Infrared Applications
Sulfur compounds, such as zinc sulfide and zinc selenide, are vital materials used in the development of optical filters for infrared applications. These compounds offer excellent transparency in the infrared region and can be incorporated into filters to achieve selective infrared transmission. Known for their durability, sulfur compounds can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and military applications.
Stable Optical Properties: Ensuring Long-Lasting Performance
A critical aspect of optical filters is their ability to maintain stable optical properties over time. This stability ensures that the filters deliver consistent performance, even in demanding conditions and extended usage. By utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and carefully selected materials, optical filters are engineered to exhibit exceptional stability, including resistance to temperature fluctuations, environmental factors, and aging effects. This stability guarantees reliable and accurate results, minimizing the need for frequent recalibration or replacement.
How to choose the right filter?
1, need to determine the excitation and emission spectra of the fluorescein used. After obtaining the fluorescence spectrum information, the required filter can be selected in a targeted manner.
2, you can overlap the filter spectrum with the fluorescein spectrum to analyze whether the filter is appropriate.
3, when choosing filters, you also need to consider the spectrum of the laser light source, especially mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, and white LEDs, to avoid choosing the area where the light source emits weakly.
RZ Optics Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing and trading optical components for many years, Integration from design to production and sales, main products include optical domes, optical windows, optical prisms, optical filters, and so on, we also could provide customized service, Utilize various optical materials as substrates, such as optical glass N-BK7, H-K9L, fused silica, silicon, sapphire, etc.
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