Case Study: 1300 - 2500 nm Wide Band Pass Filter

Case Study: Durable Wide Bandpass Filters for Environmental Monitoring Instruments

Customer Challenge: A customer specialising in environmental monitoring required wide bandpass filters that transmit light in the 1300-2500 nm range for their optical instruments. These instruments are frequently exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including water, humidity, and physical abrasion. The filters had to meet stringent optical performance criteria in an aggressive environment. Resistance to severe abrasion, humidity, and prolonged water exposure were important.

Vortex’s Solution: At Vortex all of are filters are deposited using our advanced sputtering technology to produce robust and long-lasting optical coatings that will stand the test of time in the toughest environments. Unlike traditional evaporation methods, sputtered coatings with their much higher deposition energy, result in superior adhesion and durability. Another factor that plays a crucial role in a coating’s durability is substrate preparation.  At Vortex we have both automated and manual cleaning plus a final ‘in-plant’ clean before deposition commences. Our production staff are fully trained in the key aspects of cleaning optics using a number of proprietary techniques. We also have fully automated ultrasonic cleaning at our disposal for high volume production. In this particular case the following test were successfully passed,

• Tape Adhesion and Severe Abrasion: Simulating harsh physical wear to ensure the coatings could withstand rough handling and abrasive conditions.
• Humidity: Exposing the filters to high humidity environments for 24 hours to test their resistance to moisture-induced degradation.
• Water Immersion: Submerging the filters in water for 24 hours to verify their durability and performance under prolonged water exposure.

The Result: Vortex successfully made these wide bandpass filters that not only provided excellent transmission in the 1300-2500 nm range but also met all relevant Mil Spec durability requirements, i.e. superior adhesion, resistance to abrasion, humidity, and prolonged water exposure, thus ensuring reliable performance in harsh environmental conditions.

The customer was able to deploy their environmental monitoring instruments with confidence, knowing that the filters would withstand the elements and maintain their performance over time.