Dichroic Filters

Advanced Color Separation Through Precision Thin-Film Engineering

Dichroic Filters Andover Corporation

Andover Dichroic Filters

Superior color separation through advanced thin-film engineering

Dichroic filters are sophisticated optical components that selectively transmit certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others, using interference effects rather than absorption. They consist of precision-engineered thin layers of metallic oxides that create a hard dielectric coating, making them far more durable and heat-resistant than conventional absorption filters.

Key characteristics:

  • Spectral Separation: Sharp transition between transmitted and reflected wavelengths
  • Angular Dependence: Performance varies with angle of incidence
  • Temperature Stability: Maintains spectral properties across wide temperature ranges
  • Environmental Durability: Resistant to humidity and UV exposure

Andover Corporation manufactures dichroic filters using state-of-the-art deposition technologies and quality control processes. Our filters are available in standard configurations for common color separation needs, as well as custom designs optimized for specific applications requiring precise spectral control or unique environmental requirements.

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Dichroic Filter Construction Technologies

Andover Corporation manufactures dichroic filters using two primary construction approaches to meet diverse application requirements:

Hard Oxide Dielectric Construction

  • Multiple alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials
  • Precision-controlled layer thicknesses for sharp spectral transitions
  • Superior environmental stability and durability
  • Ideal for high-power applications requiring minimal absorption
  • Operating temperature capability up to 200°C

Enhanced Metal-Dielectric Hybrid

  • Combines metallic and dielectric layers for specialized performance
  • Excellent out-of-band blocking characteristics
  • Enhanced angle tolerance for non-normal incidence applications
  • Optimized for UV and deep blue wavelengths
  • Superior polarization properties
Andover's extensive experience in thin-film coating technology enables us to provide both standard and custom dichroic solutions that meet demanding spectral and environmental specifications while maintaining excellent long-term stability.

Precision Color Control: Dichroic Solutions

Engineered Wavelength Separation for Advanced Optical Systems

Andover Corporation's dichroic filters represent the pinnacle of thin-film coating technology, combining precise spectral control with exceptional environmental durability. Our advanced deposition processes and rigorous quality control ensure outstanding performance across applications from cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy to demanding aerospace systems. Each filter undergoes comprehensive testing to verify spectral accuracy, surface quality, and mechanical stability.

Color Additive Filters

Designed for precision color separation in additive applications, these filters provide sharp cutoff and high transmission in specific spectral bands.
  • Blue Filter T: 80% Avg 390-480nm, R: 99% Avg 540-750nm
  • Green Filter R: 99% Avg 380-460nm & 600-730nm, T: 85% Min at 540nm
  • Red Filter R: 99% Avg 370-550nm, T: 80% Avg 610-730nm
  • Thickness 1.0mm ±0.25mm
  • Operating Temperature +200°C max
High Transmission
Sharp Cutoff
Temperature Stable

Reflective Filters

Specialized 45° angle filters optimized for beam splitting and combining applications requiring high reflection efficiency.
  • Blue Reflective R: 90% Avg 380-450nm, T: 85% Avg 525-800nm
  • Red Reflective T: 85% Avg 400-550nm, R: 90% Avg 610-725nm
  • Substrate Material Soda lime glass
  • Flatness 3-5 waves per 25mm
  • Parallelism 3 arc minutes or better
45° Optimized
High Reflection
Precision Optics

Color Subtractive Filters

Optimized for subtractive color applications requiring high reflection efficiency and excellent color purity.
  • Cyan Filter T: 80% Avg 400-550nm, R: 99% Avg 640-740nm
  • Magenta Filter T: 80% Avg 380-475nm & 650-750nm, R: 99% Avg 535-565nm
  • Yellow Filter R: 99% Avg 410-475nm, T: 85% Avg 550-750nm
  • Surface Quality 80/50 per MIL-C-48497A
  • Humidity Resistance Per MIL-C-48497A
High Color Purity
Environmental Stable
Precise Color Separation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dichroic filter?
How do dichroic filters differ from traditional color filters?
What are the main types of dichroic filters offered by Andover Corporation?
In which applications are dichroic filters commonly used?
How does the angle of incidence affect dichroic filter performance?
Can Andover Corporation provide custom dichroic filters?

From Prototype to Production

Custom Fabrication and High-Volume Manufacturing

Our vertically integrated facility handles both specialized custom projects and large-scale production runs with consistent quality and short lead times.
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Andover Insights & Innovations

Discovering new possibilities in optical filtering

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Celebrating Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel

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Andover Corporation continues its celebration of women pioneers in optics by turning the spotlight on María Josefa Yzuel, a pioneer in optical engineering.

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