Specifying Optical Filters: Cut-On, FWHM and Blocking

Blog July 15, 2026

Optical filter orders go wrong when the specification is incomplete. Use this checklist to describe exactly what you need.

Define the spectral shape

State cut-on/cut-off wavelengths for edge filters, or centre wavelength and FWHM for bandpass.

Set the blocking level

Specify optical density (e.g. OD4 or OD6) across the rejection band, not just in-band transmission.

Angle and substrate

Note the angle of incidence and choose a substrate — optical glass or fused silica — that suits your environment.

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