Optical filters for aerospace and defence use

Two new optical filters, including laser-line rejection and detector response, are intended for applications in the aerospace, defence and biomedical industries.

JDSU, an enabler of broadband and optical systems, has announced the availability of two new optical filters - laser-line rejection and detector response - targeting applications in the aerospace, defence and biomedical industries.

These products will be highlighted at the upcoming International Society of Optical Engineering, (SPIE), Defense and Security Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

The laser-line rejection filter is designed for use by optical engineers in a variety of aerospace/defense applications such as night vision and laser-based biomedical instrumentation applications.

The detector response filter, a new class of optical filter designed to compensate for the spectral response of optical detectors, has been developed for use by optical engineers in a variety of aerospace/defense applications such as remote sensing and homeland security instrumentation as well as for use in biomedical instrumentation.

The new filters are made possible by JDSU's proprietary UCP-1 platform, which offers high deposition rates, superior speed, tight spectral control, and low defect levels to deliver breakthrough performance and yields for a thin-film coating platform.

Unlike previous generation technologies for similar filters, JDSU's magnetron sputtering manufacturing processes ensure durability and scalability in filter production.

A key breakthrough from the UCP-1 platform is the stability of the film chamber, which can meticulously control deposition of extremely thin layers.

This feature allows for the creation of a narrow band reflector required for laser rejection without any performance effects outside the reflection region.

This ensures thinner filter designs than the traditional rugate filters, which have been difficult to scale to production volumes.

The ability to deposit very thin layers also allows the fabrication of filters with very customisable spectral profiles.

The advantage of the customisable spectral profiles includes the ability to increase overall signal efficiency.

By inserting the filter between a light source and a detector, the overall optical system can have a flat response versus wavelength preventing detector saturation effects and thereby increasing overall signal efficiency.

"JDSU's proprietary UCP-1 technology is the key to allowing us to provide our customers with the highest quality filter designs", says Carla Feldman, Marketing Manager for JDSU's Advanced Optical Technologies.

"The UCP-1 platform allows unprecedented levels of manufacturing scalability that will bring high-performance and cost-effective solutions to our customers serving the aerospace, defence and biomedical industries".

Back to top