Image-Quality Filters

Defining Boundaries in Light Control

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Andover Image-Quality Filters

Exceptional Clarity for Demanding Optical Applications

Image-quality filters represent the pinnacle of optical filter technology, designed specifically for applications that require superior resolution and imaging performance. These specialized filters are engineered using striation-free, inclusion-free optical materials and precision manufacturing techniques to deliver uncompromising image quality.

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

Image-quality filters are engineered using advanced construction methods that prioritize optical perfection and imaging performance. Understanding these technologies helps select the optimal solution for your critical imaging requirements:

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.

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.

Quality isn't just a metric

- it's our foundation.

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Industry-leading quality
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