10.14.25 -- From The Stars To The Soil: The Latest Innovations In Optical Filters

Satellite optical filter specifications are generally limited by system design. Tradeoffs must be considered: when one spec is improved, another may suffer. Maximizing performance in one area may “design out” overall system capability. A system will not work as expected if it is not properly characterized.

Since Landsat-1's launch in 1972, advancements in technology and reduced launch costs have spurred a commercial Earth observation (EO) race. Optical filters act as "the eyes of the instruments," enabling solutions for orbital challenges like achieving wavelength selectivity to cut through atmospheric noise to ensure optics survive space.

The application of Earth observation to early remote detection of wildfires typically offers two key approaches. Observers can attempt to identify chemical absorption bands of interest that can be indicative as precursors to wildfire, or they can use of thermal imaging to look for hot spots in longwave infrared bands.

Optical filters are enabling the proliferation of IoT sensors for environmental monitoring, air quality, and climate change research. Explore how robust, multi-layer dielectric filters provide essential wavelength selectivity for gas detection and are integrated into multi-zone arrays for multi-spectral remote sensing.

Space is the new technological frontier, and constellations of satellites designed for earth observation and satellite communications are gathering data at unprecedented rates. These next-generation satellites require next-generation technology, including advanced spectral filters that separate optical signals from background noise.

Explore advanced optical filters and coatings engineered for satellite and LEO instrumentation. Solutions include large-format single-band and multi-band pass filters for astronomy, precision light absorbers, dichroic mirrors, beam-splitters, and fully customizable multi-element arrays designed to ensure superior optical performance for space applications.

In astronomical observations, optical filters provide the wavelength selectivity required for telescopes to effectively separate faint signals from background noise. These specialized filters demand larger sizes, exceptional uniformity, and superior surface quality to ensure precise spectral performance and accurate data collection in challenging observational environments.