Leading Global Supplier of Optical Filter Solutions

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Telecom I Datacom I Satcom

Leading edge, custom optical filter solutions for a better, smarter, and more connected world

Earth Observation

Custom multizone filter arrays and single band-pass filters backed by over 20 years of space heritage

Who we are

Iridian Spectral Technologies, founded in 1998 in Ottawa, Canada, is a leading manufacturer of thin film optical filters serving diverse global markets. The company supports the full product lifecycle, from early-stage prototype development through high‑volume production. Over the years, Iridian has invested heavily in advanced automation to deliver consistently high quality while maintaining cost efficiency. This enables Iridian to uniquely combine large‑scale commodity filter production with highly customized optical filter solutions.

Our Mission

At Iridian we strive to serve our customers by providing optical filter solutions designed and manufactured to meet or exceed both technical and commercial needs.
We focus on operational and technical value stream innovation and will invest resources to be the first to market for high value opportunities in diverse markets. We adapt and grow, learning from new challenges and opportunities and scale from prototype builds to volume production.

Capabilities

Filter Design

Iridian’s custom filter design capability is powered by proprietary optical filter design software used by a team of highly capable engineers and scientists. This combination enables the development of highly complex, application‑specific thin film filters with precise control over spectral performance. Iridian collaborates closely with OEM customers, guiding projects from initial concept and prototype development through to high‑volume production. This integrated design‑to‑manufacturing approach ensures robust, scalable, and optimized optical filter solutions.

Iridian-Capabilities-Coating

Coating

Iridian leverages customized, high‑energy magnetron sputtering platforms to produce durable, environmentally stable optical coatings spanning the UV through the LWIR, from approximately 340 nm to 10 µm. These advanced sputtering systems enable excellent film density, adhesion, and long‑term performance across demanding applications. For extended LWIR requirements, Iridian also utilizes specialized evaporation deposition platforms capable of producing filters operating in the 10–15 µm wavelength region. This combination of deposition technologies allows Iridian to deliver robust, high‑performance filter solutions across a broad spectral range.

Dicing & Sizing

Using state‑of‑the‑art shaping technologies, Iridian produces optics with exceptionally tight dimensional accuracy. These advanced processes support a wide range of geometries, enabling components in numerous shapes, sizes, and edge profiles. High‑precision shaping ensures consistent optical performance and seamless integration into demanding systems. This capability complements Iridian’s coating expertise to deliver fully engineered, ready‑to‑use optical solutions.

Iridian Polishing

Polishing

Iridian’s experienced polishing team delivers unmatched surface quality, achieving the tight tolerances and finishes required for high‑performance optical systems. Iridian maintains full control over quality, consistency, and performance from start to finish. The company supports small‑quantity builds ideal for prototyping and early design validation. These processes are seamlessly scalable and highly tuned for repeatable, cost‑effective high‑volume production.

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Metrology

Iridian maintains the highest quality standards using world‑class optical metrology equipment integrated throughout its manufacturing processes. Comprehensive inspections verify optical performance while advanced surface metrology measures roughness, flatness, and identifies defects with exceptional precision. Dimensional measurements ensure components meet tight mechanical tolerances required for seamless system integration. This rigorous metrology approach guarantees consistent, high‑reliability optical products for both prototype and high‑volume production.

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Specialty Optics

Iridian thrives on solving the optical industry’s most demanding challenges. We take pride in developing novel, unique, and fully bespoke solutions for highly complex applications that push conventional boundaries.

By combining deep scientific expertise with advanced design and manufacturing capabilities, we turn ambitious concepts into reality. If it falls within the laws of physics, Iridian will find a way to make it happen!

Market Areas We Serve

Satcom & Lasercom

The rapid growth of satellite communications is driven by the global demand for secure, high-capacity, low-latency internet connectivity available anywhere and anytime. Iridian supports optical satellite communication systems by designing advanced optical filters that improve signal quality, reduce background noise, and enable reliable laser-based communication between satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) networks.

Telcom

Iridian is a leading global supplier of custom optical filters for telecommunications, offering high-performance, cost-effective solutions from prototype through high-volume production. With more than 25 years of expertise in optical design and manufacturing, Iridian provides a comprehensive portfolio of telecom filters, including CWDM, DWDM, multi-band WDM, gain flattening filters (GFFs), etalons, and wavelength-locking solutions that support advanced fiber optic, 5G/LTE, cable, submarine, and optical networking applications.

Datacom

AI, cloud computing, IoT, and high-speed networking are driving unprecedented growth in data center bandwidth demand. Our advanced datacom filter solutions enable next-generation optical interconnects through WDM, broadband filtering, and silicon etalon technologies, supporting high-performance transceivers and AI computing systems.

Multi Zone Filters

Iridian’s Multi-Zone Filters (MZF) combine multiple spectral functions on a single substrate, enabling compact, high-performance optical systems. Available in patterned, assembled, or hybrid configurations, MZFs can be customized across UV to LWIR wavelengths with multiple spectral bands and coating types. Trusted in multispectral imaging, spectroscopy, defense, and space applications, they deliver exceptional optical performance, reliability, and durability in the most demanding environments.

Iridian Custom Optics OEM

Custom Optics (OEM)

We specialize in designing and manufacturing custom optical filters and assemblies tailored to the specific needs of OEM customers. Our vertically integrated capabilities combine advanced optical design, precision coating technologies, photolithography, environmental testing, and high-volume manufacturing to support programs from concept and prototype development through full-scale production.

Upcoming Events

Iridian to Attend OFC 2026

Iridian to Attend OFC 2026

Iridian will be attending OFC in San Diego between March 26 – 28, 2026. 
Please connect with us to discuss your needs for optical filters for communications (telecom, datacom and satcom) and many other applications. 

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