Optics: a full range of interference filters by Schott

Schott specializes in the design of complex filters for ever new applications: the transmission and reflection of the wavebands can be adapted to the customer's wishes with extremely low tolerances. Next to filters for astronomy, for example for the recently commissioned JAST / T80 telescope in the Aragon region of Spain, the range extends from complex fluorescence filters and Raman filters for medical diagnostics to laser applications. high performance.

Schott recently manufactured a first batch of 70 interference filters to customer specifications for the Observatorio Astrofisico space observation site in Javalambre, Spain. Very narrow bandpass filters allow astronomers to analyze fine parts of the spectrum of light emitted by stars. Unwanted wavelengths are thus reliably blocked. The filters are made with very high wavefront quality, ensuring exceptional image quality. Furthermore, the transmission spectrum is particularly homogeneous over the entire area of approximately 106 mm × 106 mm.

A very high level of quality is extremely important for applications using filters in research, but also in industry. “ Particularly in applications where the filters cannot be replaced easily, for example in satellites, where the delivered product must perform perfectly. Thanks to our long experience in space applications, customers can trust us, ”explains Dr Ralf Biertümpfel, Product Manager Filter at Schott Advanced Optics.

Schott masters the design and manufacture of complex and efficient interference filters thanks to many years of experience. The company started to create interference filters and anti-reflective coatings over 85 years ago. The facilities at the ultramodern treatment production site in the competence center of the Schott plant in Yverdon (Switzerland) also allow a wide range of applications and high product reproducibility. Thus, magnetron sputtering equipment, ion-assisted sputtering equipment, high-end polishing plants and in-line optical control systems ensure high process stability. Using extremely precise wavefront measuring devices, it can be checked whether the image quality of the filter meets specifications.

“ Our experts have the experience to translate the extremely complicated computer calculations of the various layer overlays into technically feasible solutions. Indeed, for reasons of cost and time, for a high-tech filter, which can consist of 300 layers, the specification must be reached at the first test, ”explains Ralf Biertümpfel.

Find out more: www.schott.com