Optical filters
Optical filters using Canatu CNT exhibit high transmittance at EUV and X-Ray, robustness to pressure differentials, and chemical inertness.
Optical filters with exceptional EUV/X-Ray transmittance
Canatu CNT membranes are ideal for optical filter applications due to their high EUV and X-Ray transmittance, resistance to pressure differentials, and chemical inertness. These optical filters allow certain wavelengths of light (e.g. X-rays or EUV) to pass through while blocking others (e.g. visible, infrared, or deep ultraviolet). They can be used in EUV lithography to filter specific wavelengths or in front of X-ray detectors to block unwanted particles, electrons, and photons, all while withstanding high temperatures and pressure differentials.
- Ultra-thin optical filters fabricated onto a desired frame, coated or non-coated
- High EUV / X-Ray transmittance while selectively blocking UV, DUV, visible, and infrared radiation
- Free-standing membrane or supported with a novel all-carbon mesh for improved EUV/X-Ray transmittance
- Exhibits high mechanical strength and durability
- Compatible with high-vacuum and differential pressure environments
- Exceptional thermal stability and chemically inert
Optical filter applications
Canatu’s optical filters can support many different EUV and X-ray applications including EUV mask inspection, X-Ray astronomy, microscopy, e-beam filtration, and more.
Key features
Canatu’s ultra-thin optical filters have high EUV/X-Ray transmittance, while being strong to endure mechanical stress such as differential pressure and vibration. They also have high heat resistivity and are chemically inert.
Download technical paper
Download SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 2022 proceedings “Carbon nanotubes thin filters for x-ray detectors in space.”
Download technical paper
Authors: Marco Barbera, Ugo Lo Cicero, Luisa Sciortino, Michela Todaro, Elena Puccio, Fabio D’Anca, Nicola Montinaro, Salvatore Varisco, Pekka Törmä, Lauri Riuttanen, Ilkka Varjos, Bjorn Mikladal, Elena Magnano, Igor Pis, Christian Gollwitzer, Evelyn Handick, Michael Krumrey, Christian Laubis.
Proc. SPIE 12181, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2022: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 121814H (31 August 2022); doi: 10.1117/12.2631516
Collaborating with ESA
Since 2020, Canatu has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an X-Ray filter for the ATHENA telescope, allowing precise celestial imaging by enabling X-Rays to pass through while blocking other wavelengths. Traditionally, X-Ray filters use metal meshes for mechanical support due to their fragility. Canatu has introduced a novel all-carbon support structure in partnership with Ametek Finland Ltd. and the University of Palermo, replacing the traditional metal mesh and enhancing X-Ray transmittance.
Leveraging versatile platform technology for X-Ray filters
Canatu membranes serve as a versatile platform technology for a wide range of EUV and optical filter applications. Within Canatu’s product portfolio, you will find an array of cutting-edge solutions such as EUV pellicles, debris filters, and optical filters tailored to different needs.
These membranes are created from Canatu CNT, renowned for its exceptional purity and properties. Canatu CNTs are synthesized in a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) reactor, and then dry-deposited onto an open frame or a border. With more than a decade of experience in large-scale production of CNTs, Canatu excels in controlling the process and tailoring CNTs for different uses.
Contact our specialist in X-Ray filters
Send us a message
Related content
Bespoke membrane solutions for your exact needs. Applicable for high-power EUV lithography and optical filter applications. Made of the most advanced carbon nanotubes, known for their exceptional purity and properties. Learn more.
Canatu will develop an optical filter using a novel all-carbon mesh support structure replacing metal mesh. The filter is designed to let X-Rays pass through whilst blocking out other wavelengths. See press release.
Developed for ESA’s future X-Ray space telescope the Athena, the optical filter using Canatu CNT could enable further visibility to space. See press release.
EUV pellicles are membranes used to protect the photomask from contamination while permitting high EUV transmission. EUV pellicles made of Canatu CNT offer unique benefits unparalleled by other materials. See product.
Our unique expertise is how we adapt CNT to different contexts and uses. The extensive customizability and versatility of Canatu CNT synthesis process allows us to create the most advanced carbon nanotubes for highly engineered solutions. Discover more.
Canatu CTO Ilkka Varjos presented free-standing CNT membrane platform technology at SPIE Photomask + EUVL 2021. His talk focused on the unique qualities of Canatu CNT, extensive customizability of the CNT synthesis and post-processing, and application potentials. See press release.
