This section provides an overview for optical filters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 27 optical filter manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
Optical filters are filters that cut off a portion of incoming light. Optical filters include bandpass filters, which allow only specific wavelengths of light to pass through, ND filters, which reduce the intensity of incident light, and infrared filters, which cut off infrared rays. The filter is selected based on the spectrum and intensity of the incident light and the wavelength of the light to be extracted.
ND filters are also used to adjust the amount of light in cameras, making it possible to widen the aperture or lower the shutter speed by using ND filters to reduce the amount of light.
Optical filters are used to adjust the intensity and color of light output from projectors and other imaging equipment. Optical filters are also used in microscopes and other optical instruments because stray light from outside the instrument can adversely affect the measurement results. Other devices that use laser light, such as spectrometers, incorporate bandpass filters that pass only wavelengths near the laser light to suppress stray light.
In addition, optical filters are often installed in all devices with light-receiving parts, such as CCD detectors, to prevent saturation of the detector due to strong light entering the detector.
Optical filters vary widely in material depending on the type; ND filters are often coated with a metal film on the surface, and the amount of light transmitted depends on the amount of coating. ND filters do not change the spectrum of the incident light but only reduce its intensity. Since light not transmitted by an ND filter is reflected, the light path must be adjusted so that the reflected light does not return to the light source.
Bandpass filters, on the other hand, are often coated with dielectric multilayers. The multiple reflections in the dielectric multilayer make it possible to extract only a portion of the wavelengths. However, the interference behavior changes depending on the angle of incidence of light, so care must be taken in the angle at which the optical filter is placed.
Both ND filters and bandpass filters are optical components, so fingerprints and dirt on them will adversely affect their performance, and they are extremely difficult to clean. Therefore, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling the filters. Also, it is not possible to scrub the surface with a file when dirt adheres to it since any scratches on the surface will cause optical path distortion.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Ranking as of March 2023 in United States of America
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Performance Coatings International Laboratories, LLC | 36.4% |
2 | Evaporated Coatings, Inc. | 18.2% |
3 | Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. | 18.2% |
4 | Shanghai Optics | 9.1% |
5 | Chroma Technology Corporation | 9.1% |
6 | Universe Optics | 9.1% |
Ranking as of March 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Performance Coatings International Laboratories, LLC | 25% |
2 | Evaporated Coatings, Inc. | 12.5% |
3 | Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. | 12.5% |
4 | Sydor Optics, Inc. | 6.3% |
5 | Alpine Research Optics | 6.3% |
6 | Shanghai Optics | 6.3% |
7 | Chroma Technology Corporation | 6.3% |
8 | Swift Glass Company, Inc. | 6.3% |
9 | Universe Optics | 6.3% |
10 | Newport Industrial Glass, Inc. | 6.3% |
11 | Specialty Glass Products | 6.3% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the optical filter page as of March 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
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