Optical Filters
for Embedded Machine Vision

Bandpass, IR cut, and dualband day/night filters engineered for CMOS sensors. Integrate directly with M12 lenses for compact camera modules.

From single-wavelength bandpass filters to dual bandpass day/night solutions, our optical filters provide spectral control for embedded vision. Available with M12 lens bonding services for turnkey camera module integration.

350-1100nm Wavelength Range
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M12 Lens Ready Integration
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Optical Filters for Cameras - Bandpass IR Cut Dualband Filters

Understanding Optical Filter Types

Essential definitions for selecting the right filter for your machine vision application

Bandpass Filter

Transmits a specific wavelength range while strongly attenuating wavelengths across its specified blocking range. Defined by center wavelength (CWL) and bandwidth (FWHM). Isolates LED or laser illumination from ambient light. It raises signal-to-noise ratio when the source sits inside the passband and the rejected background is what dominates; bandwidth, source spectrum, AOI cone, sensor QE, and exposure set how much you gain.

  • Typical FWHM: 10-50nm
  • Blocking: OD4+ (99.99%)
  • Applications: Inspection, barcode reading

IR Cut Filter

Blocks infrared wavelengths above ~650nm to produce accurate color reproduction matching human vision. Prevents IR light from desaturating colors on CMOS sensors that are inherently IR-sensitive.

  • Cut-off: 650nm typical
  • High visible light transmission
  • Applications: Color cameras, RGB imaging

Dualband / Day-Night Filter

Dual bandpass filter transmitting visible (400-700nm) and NIR (typically 850nm or 940nm) bands simultaneously. Removes the mechanical IR cut switcher from a 24/7 build. Solar NIR passes the same band by day, so daytime color holds only where an RGBIR sensor and ISP separate the channels.

  • Dual passband architecture
  • No moving parts required
  • Applications: Surveillance, automotive ADAS

Longpass Filter

Transmits wavelengths above a specified cut-on point while blocking shorter wavelengths. Used for NIR imaging, fluorescence applications, and blocking visible light for covert illumination systems.

  • Cut-on wavelengths: 700-1000nm
  • Sharp edge transition
  • Applications: NIR vision, covert surveillance

Shortpass Filter

Transmits wavelengths below a specified cut-off point while blocking longer wavelengths. Blocks IR contamination in visible imaging or isolates UV/blue wavelengths for specialized inspection applications.

  • Cut-off wavelengths: 400-700nm
  • Heat rejection capability
  • Applications: UV inspection, heat blocking

Neutral Density (ND) Filter

Reduces light intensity approximately uniformly across its specified band (typically visible) with minimal color shift. Used to prevent sensor saturation in high-brightness conditions or extend exposure times for motion blur applications.

  • Optical density: ND2 to ND1000
  • Spectrally neutral response
  • Applications: Outdoor cameras, welding inspection

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Bandpass, IR cut, dualband, and specialty filters for embedded vision applications

IR Cut Filter Edmund Optics

CSP650-070C030

Reflective 650nm IR Cut Off Filter

$9.00

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Blue Glass IR Cut Off Filter

CBR650-063S030

650nm Blue Glass Reflective IR Cut Off Filter

$11.00

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Midwest Optical BP850 850nm Bandpass filter CBP850

CBP850-060R030

850nm Bandpass Filter

$9.00

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940nm Bandpass Filter BN940 Midopt

CBP940-070S030

940nm Bandpass Filter T>90%

$9.00

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Dual Bandpass Filter Visible Plus 850nm

CDB851-070S030

Dual Bandpass Filter Visible + 850nm T~60%

$19.00

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850nm Dual Bandpass IR Cut Off Filter DB850

CDB850-065S030

Dual Bandpass Filter Visible + 850nm T>90%

$19.00

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940nm Dual bandpass filter DB940 Midopt

CDB941-065S030

Dual Bandpass Filter Visible + 940nm T>90%

$19.00

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CBP660-065S030

660nm Bandpass Filter, 30nm FWHM

$12.00

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CBP941-065S030

940nm Bandpass Filter, 10nm FWHM OD4

$15.00

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Filter Transmittance Data

Measured spectral response curves for Commonlands optical filters. Click to download the complete dataset.

Optical Bandpass Filter Transmittance Measurements - Spectral Response Curves

Spectral transmittance curves for bandpass and dualband filters. Click image or button below to download Excel data.

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Dualband vs Regular Optical Filters

Understanding when to use dual bandpass day/night filters versus standard IR cut filters

Characteristic Regular IR Cut Filter Dualband Day/Night Filter
Daytime Operation Strongly attenuates NIR above its ~650nm cut-off for accurate color imaging Passes visible band for color imaging
Nighttime Operation Blocks NIR, so a day/night build needs an ICR switcher to remove it Passes the NIR band (850nm or 940nm) simultaneously; still needs an NIR illuminator
Moving Parts Only in a day/night build; a fixed daylight camera needs no switcher None - fully solid-state operation
System Complexity Higher only in a day/night build: motor driver and mechanical assembly. A fixed daylight camera is one static filter Lower - single fixed filter element
Failure Modes In a switched build: motor failure, mechanical wear, stuck filter. A fixed filter has none of these Minimal - no moving components
Color Accuracy Excellent - NIR strongly attenuated during the day Sensor-dependent: solar NIR passes the same band all day, so an ordinary RGB sensor shifts color unless an RGBIR sensor and ISP separate the channels
Cost Filter low cost; the ICR switcher adds expense only where the camera must also see NIR at night Higher filter cost, lower total system cost
Best Applications Color-critical imaging, studio cameras 24/7 surveillance, automotive, outdoor IoT

Optical Filter + M12 Lens Integration

Eliminate separate filter holders by bonding optical filters directly to M12 lens assemblies. Our cleanroom filter bonding service creates compact optical modules for embedded vision applications where space and reliability are critical.

Filter-lens integration reduces dust contamination risk, helps maintain optical alignment, and simplifies camera module assembly. It is not an ingress seal on its own: an IP rating belongs to a complete joint tested in its mounted configuration, not to the adhesive line. Available for prototype through volume manufacturing with optical testing.

Compact form factor
Fewer exposed surfaces
Reduced dust contamination risk
Volume manufacturing ready
UV/thermal cure bonding
Class 1000 cleanroom

Filter Gluing Service Pricing

$100 one-time NRE + per-unit bonding fee. Add filters and lenses to cart, then add the gluing service for your quantity.

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Need Mechanical Day/Night Switching?

For applications requiring complete IR blocking during daytime, we also offer mechanical IR cut filter switchers (ICR) that physically move the filter in and out of the optical path.

Browse IR Cut Switchers & Accessories
M12 Lenses for Optical Filter Integration
Camera Module Assembly with Integrated Filters

Custom Optical Filters for Volume Projects

Need a specific center wavelength, bandwidth, or form factor not in our standard catalog? Commonlands offers custom optical filter manufacturing for projects exceeding 1,000 pieces. Our coating partners can develop custom spectral profiles to match your exact requirements.

Custom Wavelengths

  • Specific center wavelength (CWL)
  • Custom bandwidth (FWHM)
  • Multi-band passband profiles
  • Application-matched spectral curves

Custom Form Factors

  • Non-standard diameters
  • Square or rectangular shapes
  • Custom thickness requirements
  • Integrated mounting features

Integration Services

  • Filter-to-lens bonding
  • Camera module assembly
  • Custom packaging
  • Traceability documentation

NRE & Minimum Order Quantities

Custom optical filter development requires non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees to cover coating design, test runs, and spectral verification. NRE is typically quoted based on complexity and is often credited against production orders. Minimum order quantities for custom filters start at 1,000 pieces. Contact our engineering team for a detailed quote.

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How to Select the Right Optical Filter

Choosing the optimal optical filter requires understanding your application's spectral requirements, environmental conditions, and integration constraints. This engineering guide covers the key selection criteria for machine vision and embedded camera applications.

Application-Based Selection

  • Color Imaging (RGB Cameras) Use IR cut filters with 650nm cut-off to block near-infrared light that desaturates colors. CMOS sensors are inherently IR-sensitive, so IR blocking is essential for accurate color reproduction matching human perception.
  • Machine Vision with LED/Laser Illumination Select bandpass filters matching your illumination wavelength (typically 850nm, 940nm for NIR or visible wavelengths for color LED). Narrow FWHM (10-25nm) rejects more ambient while passing the structured illumination, as long as the source stays inside the passband across the AOI cone.
  • 24/7 Surveillance Systems Dualband day/night filters cover visible daytime imaging and NIR nighttime operation without mechanical IR cut switchers. Choose 850nm passband for visible glow illumination or 940nm for covert applications. Budget for an NIR illuminator at night, and for an RGBIR sensor and ISP if daytime color accuracy is a specification, since the NIR band stays open in sunlight.
  • NIR-Only Imaging Longpass filters (780nm+ cut-on) block visible light for covert surveillance, agricultural imaging (NDVI), or silicon wafer inspection where NIR penetration is required.

Technical Specifications to Consider

  • Center Wavelength (CWL) & Bandwidth (FWHM) For bandpass filters, match the passband to the emitter's measured spectrum across temperature and angle; as one example, a 10nm-FWHM filter tolerates only a few nm of drift. FWHM determines selectivity: narrower bandwidth provides better ambient rejection but requires precise wavelength matching. Typical machine vision FWHM ranges from 10nm (narrow) to 50nm (wide).
  • Optical Density (OD) & Blocking OD4 (99.99% blocking) is standard for machine vision. Higher OD is needed for applications with strong out-of-band signals. Verify blocking across your sensor's full spectral sensitivity range, not just visible wavelengths.
  • Angle of Incidence (AOI) Interference filters blue-shift at off-axis angles. For wide-angle lenses (>60° FOV), consider specialized wide-angle interference coatings to maintain consistent spectral response across the field of view.
  • Physical Dimensions & Mounting Front-mounted filters must exceed the lens clear aperture; rear-bonded filters only need to cover the converging beam footprint at the mounting position. For M12 lens integration, typical filter sizes are 4.5mm to 8mm diameter. Verify thickness compatibility with available back focal distance in your optical stack.

Optical Filter Applications

Optimized filter solutions for every embedded vision vertical

Surveillance & Security

24/7 monitoring with automatic day-to-night transition

  • Dualband day/night filters
  • IR cut filters for daytime color
  • 850nm/940nm bandpass for NIR illumination

Mobile Robotics

Structured light and SLAM-optimized filtering

  • Narrow bandpass for laser line detection
  • IR cut for RGB-D cameras
  • Wide-angle compatible coatings

Automotive ADAS

Driver monitoring and surround view systems

  • 940nm bandpass for covert DMS
  • Dualband for parking cameras
  • High-temperature rated substrates

Machine Vision

Industrial inspection and quality control

  • LED wavelength-matched bandpass
  • Low-distortion filter substrates
  • High transmission interference coatings

Aerial Robotics

UAV payload and agricultural imaging

  • NDVI filters for vegetation analysis
  • Lightweight filter substrates
  • Multi-spectral filter sets

Smart Retail

Intelligent checkout and inventory tracking

  • IR cut for accurate color rendering
  • Anti-reflection coated filters
  • Compact M12 lens integration

Optical Filter Technical FAQ

Common questions from embedded vision engineers

What is a bandpass filter and how does it work?
A bandpass filter is an optical component that transmits light within a specific wavelength range while strongly attenuating wavelengths across its specified blocking range, typically to OD4. It works by combining longpass and shortpass filter characteristics, defined by center wavelength (CWL) and full width at half maximum (FWHM). For machine vision, bandpass filters isolate specific LED or laser wavelengths to improve contrast and reduce ambient light interference. For example, an 850nm bandpass filter with 25nm FWHM transmits wavelengths from approximately 837.5nm to 862.5nm.
What is a dualband filter or dual bandpass filter?
A dualband filter (also called dual bandpass or day/night filter) transmits two separate wavelength bands, typically visible light (400-700nm) and near-infrared (850nm or 940nm). One fixed element covers daylight color and NIR-illuminated night imaging, so the IR cut filter switcher mechanism comes out and cost, size, and failure points come down. Two conditions come with it: night imaging still needs an active NIR illuminator, and solar NIR passes the NIR band during the day, which shifts color on an ordinary RGB sensor unless an RGBIR sensor and ISP separate the channels.
What is the difference between a dualband filter and a regular IR cut filter?
A regular IR cut filter strongly attenuates infrared light above its ~650nm cut-off across the sensor's sensitivity range to produce accurate daytime color images. A fixed daylight camera keeps that filter in place and needs no moving parts. Only a camera that must also see NIR at night needs a mechanical IR cut filter switcher (ICR) to move the filter out. A dualband filter passes both visible and a specific NIR band simultaneously, so no switching is needed, but solar NIR then reaches the sensor all day: holding daytime color takes an RGBIR sensor and an ISP that separate the channels. IR cut plus switcher gives better color accuracy and adds mechanical complexity.
Can optical filters be integrated with M12 lenses?
Yes, optical filters can be permanently bonded to M12 lens assemblies using UV-cure or thermal-cure adhesives. This filter-lens integration eliminates separate filter holders, reduces system size, reduces dust contamination risk, and helps maintain optical alignment. Commonlands offers filter gluing services with a $100 one-time NRE plus per-unit bonding fee, supporting both prototype and volume manufacturing up to 10,000 units per month.
Can Commonlands manufacture custom optical filters?
Yes, Commonlands offers custom optical filter manufacturing for projects exceeding 1,000 pieces. Custom filters include specific center wavelengths, bandwidth requirements, and form factors. Non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees apply for custom coating development to cover design, test runs, and spectral verification. NRE is often credited against production orders. Contact our engineering team to discuss your spectral requirements and receive a custom quote.
What is a day/night filter for surveillance cameras?
A day/night filter is a dualband optical filter that passes both visible light (for daytime color imaging) and near-infrared light (for nighttime IR illumination) without requiring a mechanical IR cut filter switcher. That simplifies camera design, reduces cost, and removes moving parts that can fail, at the cost of a NIR band that stays open in daylight: plan the sensor and ISP to separate the channels if daytime color is a specification. Day/night filters are common in IP surveillance cameras, automotive surround-view systems, and any application requiring 24/7 operation. Common variants include VIS+850nm (visible IR glow) and VIS+940nm (covert, invisible IR).

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