FOG HORN Gear Review 2 October, 2010

IR Filters byproducts, usually in the 1mm, more

appropriately expressed as 1000nm,
By: Sal Palma wavelength range.
Filters used with handheld lights function to
block longer wavelengths, meaning that they
I continue my IR illumination series with yet function to block visible light components. No
another option for those seeking Infrared filter is perfect and some leakage will occur;
Illumination, the IR Filter. however, the degree to which visible light is
attenuated is significant, and it is unlikely that
A filter attaches to the bezel of a handheld light
an adversary lacking night vision capabilities will
or weapon mounted light and fills two
detect your approach.
important roles. Primarily, they offer you the
desired output; that is red, blue, green, or in However, speaking as an individual with extensive
this case an IR light source to, complement your ELINT experience, I want to assure you that
NODS. Then, a filter offers a level of protection anything transmitted can be detected, so use active
devices judiciously and only when needed.
by acting as a barrier, standing between the
elements and your light’s lens. The Cadillac of the filter scene is Surefire. They
produce a variety of filters in all parts of the
There are a couple of approaches to
light spectrum and in all sizes.
manufacturing filters. High quality filters are
generally made by sandwiching a polymer film,
of the desired characteristics, between two or
more layers of glass. The less expensive
approach is to use a photo film doped to
produce the desired output – red, green, blue
or IR.
Light visible or invisible is part of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, what can
be generalized about radio frequencies may
also be said about light.
For example, when we beat two radio
frequencies together, as in the case of an The first thing to note in the Surefire filter is the
oscillator, the output will always be the two attachment method. It uses a clamping mount
original frequencies, the sum of both that makes installation quick and simple. Pulling
frequencies, the difference between the two down on the latch locks the filter in place and
frequencies and harmonics. We then employ eliminating the possibility of it slipping off the
filters on the output side of that oscillator to bezel.
reject the unwanted product.
The actual filter element is hinged and when IR
The same holds true for a visible light source illumination is no longer needed, the filter
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such as a xenon lamp or LED. The output from element is simply flipped open.
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these point sources include near infrared

Copyright, Sal Palma dba Twobirds-Flying Publication, 2010. All rights reserved.
 FOG HORN Gear Review 2 October, 2010

Models include:
 FM53 1.00” bezel
 FM33 1.25” bezel
 FM63 1.47” bezel
 FM13 1.62” bezel
 FM23 2.50” bezel
All of these filters offer superb quality of
construction on function to deliver an excellent
source of IR illumination in the 1000nm range.
They carry Cadillac prices beginning at $96 up to
$176.
Surefire also makes the F03 that can be used
with a 1” bezel and sells for $66. The F03 simply
slips over the bezel of an E2D or any other light
with a one-inch bezel.
Streamlight, another outstanding manufacturer
of high performance tactical lights, offers a
variety of filters at lower price spectrum,
designed for use with their excellent line of
weapon-mounted lights.
The Streamlight filters can be used with the
TLR-1, TLR-2 and TLR-VIR weapon mounted
lights. The IR filter simply slips over the bezel
and operates at the 1000nm range.
Photo Courtesy of Sal Palma
Readers wishing to add an IR filter to their TLR
light should purchase #69118. Conclusion

Streamlight filters can be purchased for as low
as $16 from a number of online sources.
While IR filters will address all but the most
demanding applications, you will get superior
performance from an IR LED dedicated light
source.
However, don’t exclude filters from
consideration because they do offer a benefit,
and in most cases offer a lower cost alternative
to your IR illumination needs.
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-SP
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Copyright, Sal Palma dba Twobirds-Flying Publication, 2010. All rights reserved.