Analysis of Stierwalt out-of-band transmission scattering effect for dual infrared filters serially positioned at a focus

Some remote sounding applications require utilization of interference filters with very high out-of-band rejection (OBR) performance. In this paper, the advantages to be gained in achieving high OBR by the use of two serially ganged interference filters mounted in a wedge configuration near a focus are discussed. Degradation of OBR due to scattering effects is examined, and a quantitative technique to estimate such effects in dual wedged filters mounted at a focus is presented. An approach to the design of filter elements to be used in the dual wedged configuration is given that accounts for scatter. An application of this design approach to the CLAES 10.81 micron filter is described.