Heat Control Filters

Master Thermal Energy. Maximize Optical Performance.

Andover Heat Control Filters

Manage thermal energy with precision optical design

Heat control filters are specialized optical components designed to effectively manage infrared radiation while maintaining optimal visible light transmission. These filters work by selectively reflecting or transmitting different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing precise control over thermal energy in optical systems. Each type of heat control filter is characterized by its specific spectral response:

Hot Mirrors: Transmit visible light while reflecting infrared radiation
Cold Mirrors: Reflect visible light while transmitting infrared radiation
UV Cold Mirrors: Efficiently reflect UV while transmitting visible and infrared
IR Suppressing Filters: Extended blocking across the infrared spectrum

Andover Corporation's heat control filters utilize advanced thin-film dielectric coatings deposited on thermally-stable substrates like borosilicate glass. This construction ensures reliable performance even in high-power illumination applications. The combination of hot and cold mirrors can eliminate up to 99% of unwanted radiation, making these filters essential components in applications ranging from projection systems to medical lighting.

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Heat Control Filter Technologies

Heat control filters are engineered using advanced thin-film coating technologies, each optimized for specific thermal management requirements. Understanding these options helps ensure the right solution for your application:

Hard Dielectric Construction

First-surface coatings composed of alternating high and low refractive index materials, creating interference effects that selectively reflect or transmit specific wavelengths. These durable coatings can achieve up to 90% transmission in the visible spectrum while providing excellent infrared reflection.

Hybrid Construction

Combines dielectric stacks with specialized substrate materials for enhanced performance. The IR Suppressing series utilizes both interference effects and absorption to achieve extended blocking ranges beyond what's possible with standard dielectric coatings alone.

By partnering with Andover Corporation, you gain access to an extensive selection of standard filters plus custom design capabilities.

Heat Control Optics: Precision Thermal Management

Maximizing Performance Through Advanced Thermal Control

For over four decades, Andover Corporation has provided the astronomical community with precision optical filters that enable breakthrough observations. From standard photometric systems to custom solutions for space-based instruments, our filters combine exceptional image quality with environmental stability to deliver reliable performance in the most demanding conditions.

Hot Mirrors

Heat-reflecting filters designed to transmit visible wavelengths while reflecting near-infrared heat-generating wavelengths. Ideal for applications requiring thermal management while maintaining high visible transmission.

Average Transmittance ≥91% (425nm-675nm)
Minimum Transmittance ≥75% (450nm-675nm)
Average Reflection ≥95% (750nm-1150nm)
Operating Temperature Up to +200°C
Substrate Borosilicate glass

High VIS Transmission
Heat-Reflecting
Temperature Stable
MIL-Spec Durability

Cold Mirrors

Heat-transmitting filters designed to reflect visible wavelengths while transmitting near-infrared wavelengths. Perfect for applications requiring separation of visible and IR radiation.

Average Transmission ≥85% (800nm-1200nm)
Average Reflection ≥90% (450nm-650nm)
Angle of Incidence 45°
Operating Temperature Up to +200°C
Substrate Borosilicate glass

High IR Transmission
VIS Reflecting
First Surface Coating
Low Expansion

UV Cold Mirrors

Specialized mirrors that efficiently reflect ultraviolet while transmitting visible and infrared wavelengths. Excellent for applications requiring UV/VIS/IR separation.

Average Transmission ≥85% (600nm-1200nm)
Average Reflection ≥95% (325nm-475nm)
Angle of Incidence 45°
Operating Temperature Up to +200°C
Substrate Borosilicate glass

UV Reflecting
VIS/IR Transmitting
MIL-Spec Coating
High Durability

IR Suppressing Filters

Enhanced IR blocking filters that combine dielectric reflection and absorption for extended infrared suppression. Ideal for low-power applications requiring maximum heat reduction.

Visible Transmission ≥65% (400nm-600nm)
IR Blocking ≤10% avg (700nm-2000nm)
Operating Temperature Up to +100°C
Construction Dielectric + Absorbing Glass
Substrate Borosilicate glass

Extended IR Blocking
Absorption Enhanced
Low Power Use
Cost Effective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a heat control optical filter?

Where are heat control filters used?

Are heat control filters the same as hot mirrors?

Can these filters be customized for specific wavelengths?

What materials are used in heat control filters?

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