Variable ND Selection Guide
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ND Filter Type	Round Step	Round Continuous	Cage Compatible	Rectangular Step	Rectangular Continuous	Variable Absorptive ND Filter

Features

• Provides Discretely Variable Attenuation
• Spectral Range: 240 - 1200 nm
• OD Ranges from 0.1 - 4.0 or 0.3 - 2.0
• Two Size Options
• Commonly Used as Variable Attenuators

Thorlabs' Rectangular Step Variable Metallic (i.e., reflective) Neutral Density Filters provide a discrete range of optical densities (OD) in a single optic. Our rectangular filters are offered in 10 mm x 50 mm and 25 mm x 100 mm sizes (H x W). Both sizes are available with OD ranges of either 0.3 - 2.0 or 0.1 - 4.0. In the versions that span OD 0.3 - 2.0, there are five discrete optical density steps, and in the versions that span OD 0.1 - 4.0, there are ten discrete optical density steps. Please refer to the Specs tab to determine the effective area provided for each step.

Our Rectangular Step Variable Metallic Neutral Density Filters are composed of a UV fused silica glass substrate and a metallic Inconel coating. The UV fused silica substrate used in these filters exhibits high transmission and virtually no laser-induced fluorescence (as measured at 193 nm), making it an ideal choice for applications from the UV to the near IR. While the spectral range's lower limit of 240 nm is limited by the absorption of the light by the substrate, UV fused silica provides good transmission up to 2.1 µm, and thus the upper limit of 1200 nm is dependent on the increased opacity of the Inconel coating. The optical density (OD) for each filter is specified at the design wavelength of 633 nm; some variation in the OD will occur over the usable range.

Optical density (OD) indicates the attenuation factor provided by an optical filter, i.e. how much it reduces the optical power of an incident beam. OD is related to the transmission, T, by the equation

where T is a value between 0 and 1. Choosing an ND filter with a higher optical density will translate to lower transmission and greater reflection of the incident light. For higher transmission and less reflection, a lower optical density would be appropriate. As an example, if a filter with an OD of 2 results in a transmission value of 0.01, this means the filter attenuates the beam to 1% of the incident power.

Inconel is a metallic alloy that ensures flat spectral response from the UV to the near IR. Unprotected metal coatings like this should only be cleaned by blown air, never touched, as contact may cause scratching to the unprotected surface. Although these are reflective ND filters, the Inconel coating does absorb some of the incident light, which limits the use of these filters to low-power applications. Inconel is resistant to aging under normal conditions; however, it will oxidize at elevated temperatures. To prevent oxidation, Thorlabs recommends using these ND filters at temperatures below 100°C. To achieve the best performance light should be incident on the side with the Inconel coating.

For mounting options, the NDL-10S-2 and NDL-10S-4 can be mounted using the XYF1(/M) XY translation filter mount. Please note that a portion of the filter's edges will be covered when held between the two mounting arms.

These filters are not intended to serve as laser safety equipment. For lab safety, Thorlabs offers an extensive line of safety and blackout products that significantly reduces exposure to stray or reflected light.