
Shortpass Filters
A shortpass filter is a type of edge filter designed to pass wavelengths of light shorter than a given cut off wavelength while blocking long wavelengths. At Shanghai Optics we manufacture high quality shortpass filters for a wide variety of applications, from medical industry to research to defense. Our filters feature high transmission. They can be used for ultraviolet visible or infrared applications. These filters are designed to perform reliably under a wide range of conditions, and are durable enough to withstand normal handling and cleaning.
High Quality Dielectric Shortpass Filters
| Substrate | UV Fused Silica |
| Transmitted Wavefront | λ/4@633nm |
| Parallelism | <30 arcsec |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0.0/-0.1mm |
| Thickness | 2mm±0.2mm |
| Cut-Off Tolerance | ±1% |
| Transmission | Tavg>90% |
| Blocking | OD4 |
| Edge Slope | <1% |
| Clear Aperture | >90% |
| Angle of Incidence | 0° |
| Cut-Off Wavelength (nm) | Transmission Region (nm) | Blocking (nm) | Part Number | Request a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | 300-390 | 415-610 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0001 | Request a Quote |
| 425 | 300-415 | 440-635 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0002 | Request a Quote |
| 450 | 300-440 | 465-660 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0003 | Request a Quote |
| 475 | 300-465 | 490-685 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0004 | Request a Quote |
| 500 | 300-490 | 515-715 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0005 | Request a Quote |
| 525 | 300-515 | 540-740 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0006 | Request a Quote |
| 550 | 350-535 | 565-825 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0007 | Request a Quote |
| 575 | 350-560 | 590-850 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0008 | Request a Quote |
| 600 | 350-585 | 615-900 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0009 | Request a Quote |
| 625 | 350-610 | 640-925 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0010 | Request a Quote |
| 650 | 350-635 | 665-960 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0011 | Request a Quote |
| 675 | 350-660 | 690-1000 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0012 | Request a Quote |
| 700 | 400-685 | 715-1050 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0013 | Request a Quote |
| 725 | 400-710 | 740-1090 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0014 | Request a Quote |
| 750 | 400-735 | 775-1125 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0015 | Request a Quote |
| 775 | 400-760 | 795-1155 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0016 | Request a Quote |
| 800 | 400-785 | 825-1190 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0017 | Request a Quote |
| 825 | 400-810 | 850-1190 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0018 | Request a Quote |
| 850 | 400-835 | 880-1190 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0019 | Request a Quote |
| 875 | 425-860 | 905-1220 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0020 | Request a Quote |
| 900 | 425-885 | 930-1250 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0021 | Request a Quote |
| 925 | 445-910 | 955-1290 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0022 | Request a Quote |
| 950 | 450-935 | 980-1325 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0023 | Request a Quote |
| 975 | 465-960 | 1005-1365 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0024 | Request a Quote |
| 1000 | 465-985 | 1035-1400 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0025 | Request a Quote |
| 1025 | 490-1010 | 1060-1430 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0026 | Request a Quote |
| 1050 | 495-1035 | 1085-1460 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0027 | Request a Quote |
| 1075 | 505-1060 | 1110-1495 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0028 | Request a Quote |
| 1100 | 510-1085 | 1140-1530 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0029 | Request a Quote |
Economic Dielectric Shortpass Filters
| Substrate | Optical-Grade Float Glass (B270) |
| Transmitted Wavefront | λ/4@633nm |
| Parallelism | <30 arcsec |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0.0/-0.1mm |
| Thickness | 2mm±0.2mm |
| Cut-Off Tolerance | ±2% |
| Transmission | Tavg>85% |
| Blocking | OD2 |
| Edge Slope | <3% |
| Clear Aperture | >90% |
| Angle of Incidence | 0° |
| Cut-Off Wavelength (nm) | Transmission Region (nm) | Blocking (nm) | Part Number | Request a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400* | 250-385 | 420-485 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0030 | Request a Quote |
| 450* | 250-430 | 470-545 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0031 | Request a Quote |
| 500* | 250-480 | 520-610 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0032 | Request a Quote |
| 550* | 250-530 | 575-665 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0033 | Request a Quote |
| 600 | 400-580 | 625-795 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0034 | Request a Quote |
| 650 | 400-630 | 675-850 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0035 | Request a Quote |
| 700 | 400-680 | 725-900 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0036 | Request a Quote |
| 750 | 400-725 | 800-990 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0037 | Request a Quote |
| 800 | 400-775 | 850-1050 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0038 | Request a Quote |
| 850 | 400-820 | 910-1110 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0039 | Request a Quote |
| 900 | 425-865 | 960-1170 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0040 | Request a Quote |
| 950 | 450-910 | 1025-1235 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0041 | Request a Quote |
| 1000 | 465-940 | 1085-1305 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0042 | Request a Quote |
| 1050 | 485-1000 | 1130-1370 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0043 | Request a Quote |
| 1100 | 510-1050 | 1180-1440 | SO-SP-FIL-EE12C-0044 | Request a Quote |
Shortpass Filters
Shortpass filters are optical edge filters designed to transmit shorter wavelengths while blocking longer wavelengths above a specified cut-off wavelength. These filters are commonly used in fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, semiconductor inspection, and laser-based optical systems.
Shanghai Optics manufactures high-transmission shortpass optical filters for ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) imaging applications. Available configurations include standard and custom shortpass filters with steep edge transitions, durable coatings, and high optical density blocking performance.
Applications include:
- Fluorescence Microscopy
- Raman Spectroscopy
- Biomedical Imaging
- Semiconductor Inspection
- Laser Systems
- Hot Mirror Applications
- Scientific Instrumentation


Understanding Shortpass Filters
Shortpass filters are optical edge filters that transmit wavelengths shorter than a defined cut-off wavelength while rejecting longer wavelengths. The cut-off wavelength is typically defined at the 50% transmission point and is one of the most important specifications when selecting a shortpass optical filter.
Well-designed shortpass filters provide:
- high transmission efficiency
- steep spectral transitions
- strong out-of-band blocking
- minimal wavefront distortion
These characteristics are important for fluorescence imaging, spectroscopy, and precision optical systems.
A well designed shortpass filter will have a steep cut-off, and above the cut-off wavelength light will be effectively blocked. Almost 100% of light shorter than the cut-off wavelength will be transmitted without change. These ranges are referred to as the rejection and transmission ranges of the shortpass filter.
How to Choose a Shortpass Filter
When selecting a shortpass optical filter, important specifications include:- Cut-off Wavelength: The cut-off wavelength determines where transmission transitions into blocking.
- Optical Density (OD): Higher optical density provides stronger rejection of unwanted wavelengths.
- Transmission Efficiency: High transmission improves optical throughput and imaging performance.
- Angle of Incidence: Changing the angle of incidence shifts the spectral response of the filter.
- Coating Durability: Hard-coated filters provide improved environmental durability and thermal stability.
Mounting Your Shortpass Filter
Shortpass filters can operate in either orientation, but the coated side is typically positioned toward the light source to reduce thermal stress and improve long-term coating stability.
The cut-off wavelength can also shift depending on the angle of incidence. This effect is sometimes used to fine-tune spectral performance in optical systems.
Applications of Shortpass Filters
Shortpass filters are widely used in:
- Fluorescence Microscopy
- Raman Spectroscopy
- Biomedical Imaging
- Laser Systems
- Hot Mirror Applications
- Semiconductor Inspection
- Optical Metrology
- Scientific Instrumentation
Shortpass filters are commonly combined with longpass filters to create bandpass filtering systems for precise wavelength isolation.
At Shanghai Optics we carry a wide range of standard and hard coated shortpass filters in stock, individually and in kits. Our experienced engineering and design team is also available to help you design the ideal filter arrangement for your application. Please contact us to receive a listing of in-stock shortpass filters and to discuss custom options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shortpass filter?
A shortpass filter is an optical edge filter that transmits shorter wavelengths while blocking longer wavelengths above a specified cut-off wavelength.
What is the difference between shortpass and longpass filters?
Shortpass filters transmit shorter wavelengths, while longpass filters transmit longer wavelengths.
What are shortpass filters used for?
Shortpass filters are commonly used in fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, laser systems, biomedical imaging, and semiconductor inspection.
What is cut-off wavelength?
The cut-off wavelength is the wavelength where filter transmission reaches 50%.
Can shortpass filters be customized?
Yes. Shortpass optical filters can be customized for cut-off wavelength, coating type, optical density, substrate material, and transmission requirements.