The NE506B-A is a Neutral Density Filter, a type of optical component designed to reduce the intensity of incident light without altering its color composition. This particular model, sourced from Thorlabs, boasts a circular shape with a diameter of 12.7 mm and a thickness of 1.1 mm, making it suitable for a wide range of optical applications.
The filter's primary function is achieved through its AR-coated neutral density material, which has an optical density (OD) of 0.6. This OD value signifies that the filter reduces the light intensity by a factor of 2.51, offering a significant level of light attenuation. The AR coating, applied to both the front and back surfaces, ensures minimal reflection and scattering of light, thereby enhancing the overall transmission efficiency.
The AR coating is optimized for the wavelength range of 350-700 nm, a broad spectrum that covers a significant portion of the visible light spectrum. This broadband coating ensures high transmission and low reflection across this wavelength range, making the NE506B-A a versatile choice for various optical systems.
The filter's geometry is defined as a Thin Lens, indicating that it has been designed to focus light. This feature can be beneficial in certain applications where light focusing is required.