color filter

(optics) An optical element that partially absorbs incident light, consisting of a pane of glass or other partially transparent material, or of films separated by narrow layers; the absorption may be either selective or nonselective with respect to wavelength. Also known as light filter.

An optical element that partially absorbs incident radiation, often called an absorption filter. The absorption is selective with respect to wavelength, or color, limiting the colors that are transmitted by limiting those that are absorbed. Color filters absorb all the colors not transmitted. They are used in photography, optical instruments, and illuminating devices to control the amount and spectral composition of the light.

Color filters are made of glass for maximum permanence, of liquid solutions in cells with transparent faces for flexibility of control, and of dyed gelatin or plastic (usually cellulose acetate) for economy, convenience, and flexibility. The plastic filters are often of satisfactory permanence, but they are sometimes cemented between glass plates for greater toughness and scratch resistance. They do not have as good quality as gelatin filters.

Color filters are sometimes classified according to their type of spectral absorption: short-wavelength pass, long-wavelength pass or band-pass; diffuse or sharp-cutting; monochromatic or conversion. The short-wavelength pass transmits all wavelengths up to the specified one and then absorbs. The long-wavelength pass is the opposite. Every filter is a band-pass filter when considered generally. Even an ordinary piece of glass does not transmit in the ultraviolet or infrared parts of the spectrum. Color filters, however, are usually discussed in terms of the portion of the visible part of the spectrum. Sharp and diffuse denote the sharpness of the edges of the filter band pass. Monochromatic filters are very narrow band-pass filters. Conversion filters alter the spectral response or distribution of one selective detector or source to that of another, for example, from that of a light bulb to that of the Sun. See also Absorption of electromagnetic radiation; Color; Sun.