Stories & Features

The Semrock Advantage: Part 3

Jun 22, 2026 by IDEX Health & Science

How to Stop Over-Engineering Optical Filters


How to Stop Over-Engineering Optical Filters

There is a natural tendency to over-specify. If a 1% tolerance is good, a 0.1% tolerance must be better, right? Not necessarily. For optical filters, "better" may mean increased cost without necessarily providing any benefit to your application requirements.

Value Engineering in Action

We recently worked with a customer who had a high-cost flatness spec on their drawing. When we analyzed their application, we realized they only cared about the light passing through—not what was reflected.

By removing that unnecessary legacy requirement, we didn't just save them money; we reinvested it into a superior optical coating. The result? Better performance for the same total cost.

Are you paying for 2005?

Many catalog filters are still designed to block light from 2005-era arc lamps. If you’re using modern LEDs or Lasers in 2026, you don't need that "deep blocking" across the entire spectrum.

Expert Insight: Paying for 2005 Technology
"Back when Semrock [filters] started, people used arc lamps that covered the whole spectrum. So, you had to block everything from the UV into the NIR. Now people are using narrow-band sources. All those extra blocking layers cost money. By tailoring filters for newer light sources, we can have incredible savings."

— Optical Filter Design Team

Expert Review for "Right Now" Solutions

Our Quick Ship program ensures that these optimized, "right-sized" solutions are available within 24 hours. But the real value isn't just the shipping speed; it's the technical honesty behind it.

The Takeaway: We won't let you pay for a spec—or a legacy blocking requirement—that doesn't improve your science. Our Applications Scientists are here to act as an extension of your engineering team. Work directly with our design team today to audit your specs and ensure every dollar of your budget goes toward actual performance.

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