Optical filters for electronic displays - 30 April 2019 - Actum Electronics

Instrument Plastics’ extensive product range of optical filters for electronic displays includes EMC shielding, MRI and polycarbonate windows, lamination, diffusers, polarisers, glass and plastic filters, and EMI mesh, to name a few. Typical applications cover LED, electroluminescent and vacuum fluorescent displays, preparation of artwork and silk screen printing, remote controls, security systems, presence sensing devices, proximity sensors and scanners.

The company’s Optolite product range includes families of EMC shielding and MRI windows; robust optical filters for outdoor applications; and infrared filters.

Optolite shielded filter windows combine a high level of electromagnetic shielding with contrast enhancement. The EMC shields and MRI windows are lightweight and offer resistance against impact abrasion, heat and chemicals. The EMC shielded windows contain highly conductive micro-fine wire mesh which attenuates EMI/RFI emissions and effectively guards against electromagnetic interference (EMI).

These EMC shields and MRI windows feature up to 70 dB attenuation, with optional cast-in non-glare finishes to cut down on front surface reflections, and are available flat or curved. They effectively eliminate delamination and optical imperfections for applications in aerospace and defence, radio and telecommunication, industrial manufacturing equipment, medical and scientific apparatus, IT equipment, and flat panel displays in electronic equipment.

Optolite Clear HSR (High Scratch Resistant) is a robust optical grade filter designed to handle harsh outdoor environments. Traditional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) often contain a fragile, soft front surface polariser that could easily be damaged by dirt, moisture, scratches and direct sunlight; the Optolite Clear HSR is ideal for display applications that require high abrasion and impact resistance.

This filter offers 20 times that of acrylics and is immune to the effects of virtually all common solvents. It is very lightweight and exhibits optical properties comparable to crown glass, and its maximum continuous operating temperature exceeds 100°C. Optolite Clear HSR is available with optional cast-in non-glare finishes to overcome front surface reflections and increase durability.

Optolite IR is an infrared broadband acrylic pass filter. It has been designed to transmit infrared radiation at wavelengths greater than 750 nm, which makes it virtually opaque to visible light. It is ideal for use in photometric systems with high levels of visible radiation.

Optolite IR eliminates the visible spectrum and so improves the effectiveness of the system by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. It features transmittance up to a maximum of approximately 90% in the infrared region from 850 nm – 2000 nm, 50% transmission at 780 nm and effectively 0% below 740 nm in the visible spectrum. A cast-in non-glare finish is available as an option to cut down on any unwanted front surface reflections. Specific applications include remote controls, security systems, presence sensing devices, proximity sensors and scanners.