To achieve this, Fraunhofer IST develops high-precision interference filters using modern sputtering technologies. This enables the production of both broadband linearly variable filters and pixel-precise structured filter designs for defined wavelength ranges – from the visible spectrum to the near-infrared range.

The precision optical coatings are manufactured on the EOSS® sputtering platform (Enhanced Optical Sputtering System) developed at Fraunhofer IST. The technology enables particularly stable and homogeneous coating processes and forms the basis for high-precision, industrially scalable filter solutions. As a result, spectral selection can be integrated directly on the camera chip without additional external filter units or complex optical setups.

The compact design offers advantages wherever mobile or integrated sensor systems are required. Current applications already range from environmental and pollutant analysis to the assessment of plant health in agriculture and industrial quality assurance. Looking ahead, the technologies are also suitable for satellite-based remote sensing, climate research, and extensive monitoring tasks.