BP468nm Bandpass Filter | FWHM 18nm, Thickness 1.0mm

The BP468-18nm-1.0mm bandpass filter represents a breakthrough in compact optical design, combining ultra-narrow spectral selectivity with an exceptionally thin 1.0mm profile. This precision-engineered bandpass filter delivers superior wavelength isolation at 468nm with an 18nm full width at half maximum (FWHM), making it ideal for space-constrained fluorescence microscopy systems, multi-filter optical assemblies, and portable diagnostic instruments. Manufactured by OPTOStokes using advanced high precision coating technology, this filter meets the demanding requirements of modern photonics applications where size, weight, and optical performance are equally critical.

Technical Specifications

The BP468-18nm-1.0mm filter features precisely controlled transmission characteristics optimized for blue wavelength isolation in compact form factor. The following table provides complete technical specifications:

Key Performance Features

This blue bandpass filter combines exceptional spectral performance with practical design advantages for modern optical systems. The ultra-narrow 18nm FWHM provides outstanding wavelength selectivity, enabling precise isolation of blue fluorophores and LED sources while minimizing spectral crosstalk in multi-channel detection systems. Peak transmission exceeding 90% within the passband ensures maximum signal throughput, critical for low-light fluorescence applications and photon-starved measurement scenarios.

The comprehensive blocking range from 350nm to 1100nm with transmission below 1% effectively eliminates unwanted background signals across the UV, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions. This deep blocking capability dramatically improves signal-to-noise ratios and measurement accuracy in demanding analytical applications. The extended blocking range also prevents detector saturation from out-of-band radiation, protecting sensitive cameras and photomultiplier tubes from damage.

The ultra-thin 1.0mm substrate thickness offers critical advantages for space-constrained applications. This compact profile reduces the overall optical path length, minimizing focal shift and aberration introduction in tightly designed optical systems. The reduced thickness enables multiple filters to be stacked in filter wheels and motorized filter changers without exceeding mechanical clearance limits. Additionally, the lower mass facilitates faster switching speeds in automated filter selection mechanisms and reduces bearing loads in precision positioning stages.

Applications

The BP468-18nm-1.0mm bandpass filter excels across diverse scientific and industrial applications demanding both exceptional optical performance and compact integration:

Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy: This filter provides optimal spectral matching for blue-shifted fluorophores including BFP (Blue Fluorescent Protein), Alexa Fluor 405, and Pacific Blue. The narrow 18nm bandwidth effectively separates closely spaced emission peaks in multi-color imaging experiments, while the 1.0mm thickness allows seamless integration into compact microscope filter cubes and motorized filter wheels. Research applications span cellular imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and live-cell tracking studies where minimal spectral overlap is essential for accurate quantification.

qPCR and Molecular Diagnostics: Real-time PCR instruments utilize this filter for precise fluorescence detection of blue-emitting reporter dyes. The narrow bandwidth isolates specific fluorophore emissions while rejecting scattered excitation light and background fluorescence. Portable diagnostic devices particularly benefit from the compact 1.0mm profile, enabling miniaturized optical detection modules for point-of-care testing, field deployment, and handheld instruments. Clinical laboratories conducting genetic testing, viral load quantification, and pathogen detection rely on this filter's reproducible performance across thousands of thermal cycles.

Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting: Multi-parameter flow cytometry systems require precise wavelength discrimination to simultaneously detect multiple fluorescent markers. The BP468 filter's narrow passband enables accurate signal separation in the crowded blue spectral region, while the thin profile reduces optical path complexity in multi-laser, multi-detector configurations. High-speed cell sorting applications benefit from the filter's high transmission efficiency, maximizing photon collection rates for rare event detection.

LED-Based Optical Systems: Industrial inspection systems, machine vision platforms, and photometric instrumentation utilizing 460-470nm LED sources employ this filter to improve wavelength purity and reduce spectral bandwidth. The narrow wavelength filter characteristics enhance measurement precision in colorimetry, reflectance spectroscopy, and fluorescence-based quality control applications. The compact design facilitates integration into handheld spectrometers and portable measurement devices.

Laser Line Cleanup and Beam Conditioning: Laser-based analytical instruments including Raman spectroscopy systems and laser-induced fluorescence detectors use this filter for wavelength selection and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) suppression. The deep out-of-band blocking prevents spurious signals from degrading spectral measurements, while the thin substrate minimizes beam displacement in precision optical alignments.

Customization and Engineering Support

OPTOStokes recognizes that cutting-edge optical systems often demand customized solutions tailored to specific application constraints. Our engineering team collaborates directly with customers to optimize filter designs for unique performance requirements and integration challenges:

Dimensional Customization: While standard circular formats are available in diameters from 12.5mm to 50mm, we manufacture square, rectangular, and irregular shapes to fit proprietary optical assemblies. The 1.0mm thickness can be maintained across custom geometries, or adjusted to 0.7mm, 1.5mm, or 2.0mm depending on mechanical strength requirements and optical design constraints. Precision edge grinding and beveling options ensure optimal fitment in tight tolerance assemblies.

Mounting Solutions: Filters can be supplied unmounted for direct bonding and OEM integration, or pre-mounted in threaded retaining rings, filter cubes, and slide-in frames compatible with major microscope and spectroscopy manufacturers. Custom mechanical interfaces accommodate specialized instrumentation and legacy equipment retrofits.

Spectral Fine-Tuning: The center wavelength can be adjusted across the 460-475nm range to precisely match specific LED sources, laser lines, or fluorophore emission peaks. FWHM can be narrowed to 15nm for enhanced spectral resolution, or widened to 25nm for increased light throughput in photon-limited applications. Multi-cavity coating designs enable complex transmission profiles including dual-band and notch filter characteristics.

Environmental Hardening: Applications in extreme conditions benefit from enhanced environmental specifications including extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C), high humidity resistance, salt spray tolerance, and vibration resistance meeting MIL-STD-810 standards. Hard coating formulations ensure durability in harsh industrial environments and field deployment scenarios.

The OPTOStokes Advantage

OPTOStokes has established a reputation for excellence in optical filter manufacturing through unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success. Our extensive inventory of standard bandpass filters ensures rapid availability, with many configurations shipping within 24-48 hours of order placement. This responsiveness eliminates the project delays and schedule risks associated with lengthy custom manufacturing lead times.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities employ advanced ion-assisted deposition technology and computer-controlled coating processes, achieving spectral tolerances and surface quality specifications that exceed industry standards. Every filter undergoes rigorous quality inspection including spectrophotometric verification, surface quality evaluation, and dimensional measurement. Detailed test certificates documenting measured performance are provided with each shipment, ensuring full traceability and compliance with quality management systems.

Beyond superior products, OPTOStokes provides comprehensive technical support throughout the product lifecycle. Our optical engineering team assists with filter selection, optical design consultation, and integration troubleshooting. We maintain detailed technical documentation including spectral data files, mechanical drawings, and application notes to accelerate your development process. Long-term supply agreements and engineering change control procedures ensure consistent performance across production runs spanning months or years.

Overcoming Common Design Challenges

Optical system designers frequently encounter specific challenges when implementing narrow bandpass filters in compact assemblies. Understanding these issues enables informed specification decisions and optimal system performance:

Space Constraints: Modern instruments increasingly demand miniaturization without performance compromise. The BP468 filter's 1.0mm thickness addresses this challenge directly, reducing optical path length by 50% compared to conventional 2.0mm substrates. This enables tighter component spacing, more compact enclosures, and reduced instrument footprint—critical advantages for portable devices, endoscopic systems, and multi-channel detector arrays.

Filter Wheel Integration: Motorized filter wheels in automated microscopy and spectroscopy systems have limited axial space for filter stacks. Thinner filters allow more filter positions within the same wheel diameter, or enable faster switching speeds through reduced rotational inertia. The BP468 filter's compact profile facilitates 8-position or 10-position wheel designs where 2.0mm filters would limit capacity to 6 positions.

Spectral Resolution Requirements: Separating closely spaced fluorophores or analyzing fine spectral features demands narrow bandpass filters. However, excessively narrow bandwidths can reduce signal strength in photon-limited applications. The 18nm FWHM specification represents an optimized balance, providing excellent wavelength selectivity while maintaining practical transmission efficiency. Our engineering team can model expected signal levels and recommend optimal bandwidth for your specific application.

Long-Term Availability: Instrument manufacturers require consistent filter supply over multi-year production cycles. OPTOStokes maintains production capability for standard products and implements controlled engineering change processes for custom designs. We archive coating recipes, maintain raw material stocks, and provide guaranteed availability periods to support your long-term production planning.

Cost-Performance Optimization: Achieving narrow bandpass performance traditionally required complex multi-cavity coating designs with associated cost premiums. OPTOStokes' manufacturing efficiency and coating expertise deliver exceptional performance at competitive pricing. Volume pricing programs and multi-year agreements provide additional cost advantages for production applications.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Every BP468-18nm-1.0mm filter manufactured by OPTOStokes undergoes comprehensive quality control testing to ensure conformance with published specifications. Our quality management system maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification, with documented procedures covering incoming material inspection, in-process monitoring, and final product verification. Spectral transmission measurements are performed using calibrated spectrophotometers traceable to national standards, ensuring measurement accuracy and reproducibility.

Surface quality inspection employs dark-field illumination and calibrated microscopy to verify scratch-dig specifications per MIL-PRF-13830B. Dimensional measurements confirm thickness, diameter, and edge quality tolerances. Environmental testing validates coating adhesion, humidity resistance, and temperature stability according to relevant industry standards.

Documentation packages include detailed test reports, certificates of conformance, and material safety data sheets. Custom test protocols and enhanced inspection procedures can be implemented to meet specific customer requirements or regulatory compliance needs in medical, aerospace, or defense applications.

Request Technical Information or Quotation

The BP468-18nm-1.0mm bandpass filter exemplifies OPTOStokes' commitment to advancing optical filter technology through innovative design and manufacturing excellence. Whether your application requires this exact specification or a customized variant optimized for unique performance criteria, our team is prepared to support your success.

Contact our technical sales specialists at sales@optofilters.com to discuss your project requirements, request detailed technical specifications, or obtain pricing information. Our engineers can provide spectral modeling, integration guidance, and application-specific recommendations to ensure optimal filter selection. For immediate access to technical resources including complete spectral data, mechanical drawings, and application notes, visit www.optofilters.com and explore our comprehensive product catalog.

We understand that successful optical instrument development requires more than precision components—it demands partnership with suppliers who share your commitment to innovation and quality. Experience the OPTOStokes difference: cutting-edge optical technology, responsive technical support, and delivery performance you can trust. Let us help you transform your optical design challenges into competitive advantages.