Image-Quality Filters

Defining Boundaries in Light Control

Image quality optics Hard-coated Broadband Andover Corporation

Andover Image-Quality Filters

Exceptional Clarity for Demanding Optical Applications

Image-quality optical filters are designed for applications that demand superior resolution and imaging precision. These filters use high-purity, striation-free optical materials and advanced coatings to minimize distortion and maximize clarity.

Each image-quality filter is characterized by three essential properties:

Transmitted Wavefront: Typically λ/4 per inch or better, ensuring minimal distortion
Parallelism: 30 arc seconds or better, maintaining precise image alignment
Surface Quality: Precision-polished surfaces with optimized AR coatings to eliminate ghosting and maximize throughput

Andover Corporation's image-quality filters are manufactured using advanced polishing techniques and high-grade optical materials. By combining precision substrate preparation with optimized coating positions and anti-reflection treatments, we eliminate multiple reflections and fringe patterns that could compromise image quality. For applications demanding even higher performance, we can achieve transmitted wavefront quality of λ/10 and parallelism of 10 arc seconds.

Image-Quality Filter Technologies

Engineered with cutting-edge polishing and coating techniques, our filters maintain strict optical tolerances for high-resolution imaging systems.

Precision Substrate Construction

Our filters begin with premium-grade optical materials that are meticulously screened for freedom from striations and inclusions. Each substrate undergoes our proprietary two-stage polishing process to achieve exceptional flatness and parallelism, with surface quality up to 20-10 scratch-dig.

Advanced Coating Architecture

We employ sophisticated multi-layer coating designs optimized for imaging applications:

External surfaces receive high-efficiency AR coatings to eliminate ghost images
Internal coating positions are precisely engineered to prevent interference patterns
Layer stress is carefully controlled to maintain substrate flatness
Optional enhanced durability coatings for demanding environments

By partnering with Andover Corporation, you join leading observatories worldwide who rely on our filters for groundbreaking astronomical research. From ground-based telescopes to space-borne instruments, our space-qualified filters continue to enable critical scientific discoveries.

Imaging Filters Product Solutions

Where Scientific Precision Meets Optical Excellence

Welcome to our Image-Quality Filter collection, where exceptional clarity meets uncompromising precision. Each filter is meticulously crafted using striation-free materials and advanced polishing techniques to achieve superior wavefront quality and optimal parallelism. Whether your application demands λ/4 or λ/10 performance, our solutions ensure pristine image fidelity for your most critical imaging needs.

Looking for a tailored solution? Contact us to request a custom quote and discover how our filters can meet your exact image-quality requirements.

Image Quality Linear Polarizers

Premium linear polarizers engineered for high-resolution imaging systems. These precision-crafted components ensure maximum light control while maintaining exceptional image quality.

Extinction Ratio Greater than 500:1 across visible spectrum
Transmitted Wavefront λ/4 per inch standard (λ/10 available)
Clear Aperture Available up to 76.2mm diameter

High Extinction Ratio
Superior Wavefront
Large Format

Image Quality Optics

Precision-crafted optical components delivering exceptional performance for demanding imaging applications, manufactured from premium-grade, striation-free materials.

Surface Quality 20-10 scratch-dig standard
Parallelism Down to 10 arc seconds
Surface Accuracy Up to λ/10 wavefront

Ultra-Precision
Superior Flatness
Premium Grade

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Image-Quality Filters?

How do Image-Quality Filters differ from standard commercial filters?

What applications benefit from using Image-Quality Filters?

Can Andover Corporation provide custom Image-Quality Filters?

What documentation accompanies Image-Quality Filters?

Find Global Distributor

Request a Quote

Markets

LiDAR Optical Filters for Remote Sensing and Mapping

Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing

Machine Vision & Industrial Automation

A soldier in full tactical gear crouches on rocky terrain at dusk, aiming a weapon equipped with a laser rangefinder. The bright laser beam projects forward, likely measuring distance to a target. In the background, an armored military vehicle with mounted weaponry and headlights is stationed on rugged terrain. The dramatic sunset sky enhances the intensity of the scene, highlighting the advanced optics and targeting systems used in modern defense technology.

Military & Defense Systems

Biomedical & Life Sciences

Aerospace & Space Optics | Andover

Astronomy & Space

Quality isn't just a metric

- it's our foundation.

0 %

On-Time Delivery Rate

Delivering Precision, On Schedule

0.5 %

Return Rate

Industry-leading quality

0 %

Traceability

Complete documentation

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management

AS9100:2016

Aerospace Standard

ITAR Registered

Defense Compliance

Andover Insights & Innovations

Discovering new possibilities in optical filtering

BEAM Series: Trends in optics for Laser-Based Technology

BEAM: Breakthroughs – How Andover Corporation’s Advanced Coating Technology Powers NASA’s PUNCH Mission

By Holly Peterson | August 15, 2025

In the demanding realm of space-based solar observation, precision optical components must withstand extreme conditions while delivering uncompromising performance. NASA's...

BEAM: Breakthroughs – When Precision Meets the Battlefield

By Holly Peterson | June 27, 2025

How Andover's Dual-Band Optical Filters Power the Apache AH-64's Advanced Targeting Systems Part of our BEAM (Breakthroughs, Engineering, And Minds)...

BEAM Spotlight Series: Dave Litwinovich — Three Decades of Engineering Excellence

By Holly Peterson | June 13, 2025

As part of our BEAM Spotlight Series (BEAM: Engineering), we're proud to highlight the people behind the precision-those who quietly push...

Contact Our Team

Ready to discuss your optical needs? Whether you're looking for a quote or have technical questions, our expert team is here to help guide you to the perfect solution.