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Published on: April 26, 2014
Demonstration of optical interference filters utilizing tunable refractive index layers
David J Poxson1, Frank W Mont, Martin F Schubert
1Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York 12180, USA.
Optics Express
|December 18, 2010
Summary
Optical interference filters with tunable refractive index layers offer superior spectral fidelity compared to traditional filters. A tunable filter successfully replicated the Air Mass 0 solar spectrum, demonstrating excellent performance.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional optical interference filters rely on non-tunable refractive index layers.
- Achieving high spectral fidelity is crucial for accurate light spectrum replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectral fidelity of optical interference filters.
- To compare filters using tunable versus non-tunable refractive index layers.
- To demonstrate the application of tunable filters in solar spectrum replication.
Main Methods:
- Design and comparison of optical interference filters with tunable and non-tunable layers.
- Fabrication of a five-layer tunable filter.
- Testing the filter's performance using a Xenon lamp to replicate Air Mass 0 solar irradiance.
Main Results:
- Filters utilizing tunable refractive index layers exhibit higher spectral fidelity.
- The fabricated five-layer tunable filter demonstrated excellent spectral fidelity.
- Successful replication of the Air Mass 0 solar irradiance spectrum was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Tunable refractive index layers significantly enhance spectral fidelity in optical interference filters.
- These tunable filters are a promising technology for precise spectral replication, including solar spectrum applications.
