New Low-Reflectivity Neutral Density Filters for Visible and Near IR Imaging

Palatine, IL: Midwest Optical Systems (MidOpt) has developed a new line of neutral density filters for imaging at visible, near-infrared and near-UV wavelengths (350-1100nm). These "NI" filters are available from stock in four optical densities that range from 50% to 6.25% overall transmission, in ALL popular filter thread sizes, ready for next-day delivery.

Neutral density filters are used to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor. This allows for longer exposure times and reduced depth of field by using a wider iris opening, thus improving the separation of subject matter from the background.

Unlike absorptive filter glass and non-reflective neutral density filters, the low-reflectivity NI filters from MidOpt feature uniform attenuation simultaneously over the entire visible and near-IR range imaged by most industrial CCD/CMOS cameras, with the actual percent transmission (or optical density) remaining constant.

Uniform transmission over an extremely broad spectral range

These filters also feature a reflection-inhibiting vacuum-evaporated protective overcoat that is designed to reduce undesirable back reflections while maintaining uniform transmission over an extremely broad spectral range. Compared to absorptive neutral density filters, MidOpt's NI Filters use a low expansion glass substrate material to enhance durability and resistance to temperature extremes and thermal shock at no additional cost.

Optical densities in the new NI Filter line include NI030 (OD = 0.3, 50% transmission), NI060 (OD = 0.6, 25% transmission), NI090 (OD = 0.9, 12.5% transmission) and NI120 (OD = 1.2, 6.25% transmission).

NI Filters are available off-the-shelf in standard threaded mounts, in thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3mm, and in custom shapes and sizes. Typical custom applications include reducing transmission from broadband light sources, low power laser attenuation and partial shrouding of inspection applications. Lead times for custom manufactured components are approximately one week.

These filters are only one of many image-enhancing tools available to vision system integrators and process engineers from Midwest Optical Systems. Please contact the MidOpt Team for a quotation or for any further technical information that may be desired.

Midwest Optical Systems is the innovator in the manufacture of optical filters for machine vision systems of all types and sizes.

MidOpt's machine vision filters are designed to pass only the output of all common LEDs or laser diodes, thereby providing better control over the harmful effects of ambient light. This added control helps to increase contrast and resolution to improve overall image quality and repeatability.

Dense, rugged coatings on our filters assure consistent, long-term performance, even in the harshest environments. These high-transmission filters eliminate the need for a shroud, reducing system cost, footprint and installation lead time.

Available from stock in nearly 70 types with 16 standard thread sizes from M22.5 to M62 and 8 fast-build sizes to M105, most orders are shipped the same day. Provided in mounts to easily screw into lenses that have filter threads, or for those lenses without filter threads such as commonly found in wide-angle lenses, slip-on mounts are available. Filters are also offered in any size or shape as glass-only for such uses as placement over the camera's sensor.

To help installers determine what type of filter works best for an installation, MidOpt developed a series of Filter Kits to test with and help understand filter functions. Different kits contain selections of filters with curves, data points and educational material in a ring binder for ease of use and understanding.

MidOpt offers a comprehensive range of CCTV lenses from the leading suppliers in factory automation. Custom and stock optical components and assemblies are manufactured including single and multiple element lenses, windows, mirrors, prisms, beamsplitters and much more.

Peter Birren
Midwest Optical Systems, Inc.
322 Woodwork Lane
Palatine IL 60067 USA
Phone: 847-359-3550
Fax: 847-359-3567
Email: info@midopt.com
Web: http://www.midopt.com

This release was published on openPR.