wpeA2.jpg (38961 bytes)
wpeA2.jpg (38961 bytes)
0.4Å Bandpass
0.5Å Bandpass
0.6Å Bandpass
0.7Å Bandpass
wpeA2.jpg (38961 bytes) wpeA3.jpg (30655 bytes)
wpeA4.jpg (20435 bytes)
wpe7.jpg (15872 bytes)
*Please note that BOTTOM images are for contrast and brightness demonstration purposes only.
Hydrogen Alpha Filters
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Delivery Times
As of 1/1/2022

15-20 days for:
Original Quark
Q
uestar Quark
Combo Quark
Calcium Quark

6-8 weeks for:
Blocker and Trimmers
CaII H line filters
Quantum upgrade:  
Quantum SE Filters

6-8 months for:
Quantum PE Filters
Ca II K Line PE Filters
Sodium Line FIlters
SR-127 Telescope
Solar System Filter Wheel


Energy Rejection Filters

Adapters & Snouts

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About Opening
a DayStar Filter




The Sun Today

Filter Selection Process - a short course.Our filters are uniquely designed to transmit a narrow section of the solar spectrum while reflecting or absorbing undesirable light. The full solar spectrum is comprised of a whole rainbow of colors all To accomplish this, white light must be broken down into its constituent form to produce a rainbow of colors. Each color is measured in units called ångströms Å , (1x10-10 meters ). The human eye can discern colors within the rainbow from 3800Å in the violet to 7000Å in the crimson. Within sunlight, the continuous spectrum visible in white light is interrupted by a series of black bands called absorption lines. These lines are primarily created by cool absorbing gases located in the upper photosphere or chromosphere of the sun and in order to observe phenomena interacting with hydrogen or calcium, very precise optical filtration is required. The filtration technology must successfully isolate and transmit a prominent absorption line from the rest of the spectrum. Most commonly used is the line of Hydrogen a located at 6562.81Å in the red portion of the solar spectrum. At its half intensity point, the line is only 1.20Å wide. Providing optical filtration in this order of dimension is most demanding. Delivering high purity of filtration for solar observing involves new and innovative thin film coating technology. Currently, our evolving product line consists of the University series, ATM series and T-Scanner filtering systems. Models differ by modes of tuning and by spectral uniformity. In making a filter selection, the observer should focus on desired performance requirements in terms of spectral uniformity and filter bandpass*1.

SolaREDi alpha telescope
When designing the SolaREDi alpha telescope, we listened to what users were asking for.  It is an entry level telescope boasting both a modest pricetag and out-of-the-box application.  But alpha offers room to grow with full 35mm blocking filter elements and an included 2" focusing platform for a wide variety of solar imaging choices.  The SolaREDi alpha has a modest 35mm aperture but offers a full 35mm of blocking so users can image or view with nearly any camera, barlow, eyepiece or binoviewer. The generous 73mm of focus travel affords a full spectrum of applications to users without design limitations. Users can drop and view for public demonstration or push Dawes limit with a 2" 4X Powermate, and DSLR strait through the tube.

The Quantum PE series filtering system represents the finest components manufactured by DayStar. Professional institutions and advanced observers that employ research quality optical systems are encouraged to consider the filtering power of this top quality product. Available in a 0.80Å to 0.25Å bandpass, The University series is designed to handle any focal length system providing an f/30 beam while delivering full aperture spectral uniformity. The resulting visual observations, CCD images and traditional filtergrams are simply stunning. All filtering elements are thermally tuned by a calibrated precision oven and by varying the etalon temperature the observer is able to optimize contrast and engage in Doppler studies. These precision systems are extremely difficult to produce, and may create a variable delivery schedule.

The Quantum SE series filtering system provides wonderful imaging fidelity at a reasonable cost. Smooth spectral uniformity offered by instrument quality etalons will satisfy the needs of most observers. Nominal f/30, ( full aperture or stopped down ) optical systems delivering a focal length up to 2000 mm will find the spectral uniformity of these filters impressive. The SE series are available in a 0.8Å to 0.30Å bandpass. If the mainstay of the observing program concentrates on photography and CCD imaging, then consider the advantages of the University series. If the main desire is for visual work and taking basic images, the SE is an excellent choice. In our manufacturing of a filtering unit each is thermally tuned by a precision factory-calibrated oven to maintain proper bandpass tuning. We are constantly amazed by images delivered by these systems. We continually receive quality filtergrams taken by ATM owners that give the "big boys" a run for their money.

Our T-Scanner series filter assemblies are designed for amateur observers doing remote observations without access to AC power.  By taking advantage of fundamental physics relating to thin film coatings,   an alternative method of tuning other than controlling the etalon's temperature is tilting the filtering assembly.  Tilting the filtering system shifts the bandpass towards the shorter wavelengths.  By fabricating the filter a few angstroms longer than the desired observing wavelength,  the observer can optimize the contrast simply by tilting the filtering system with a control screw knob.  T-Scanners are fabricated to the same quality and safety standards as the University and ATM series.  These filters are intended for visual work and available in a 0.80Å to 0.30Å bandpass.   Because of the internal tilting mechanism, these filters utilize an aperture of 30 mm and operate in a nominal f/30 optical system.

Generally speaking the lower, (or narrower) the filter bandpass, the higher the contrast of solar features. In fabricating the filter components, the most difficult parameter to control is spectral uniformity which is governed by the quality of the etalon*2. This sets the limit of the bandpass. Spectrally, the filter must be able to deliver a tightly controlled sub-ångström bandpass over the working aperture. In spite of the many advances in fabricating technology, experience at DayStar is finding that producing a spectrally uniform etalon seems more like an art than an exact science. We are proud to place a guarantee on our systems.

All DayStar Hydrogen a filters provide clear and exciting images of prominence and surface phenomena. Observers concentrating on prominence work generally prefer a wider bandpass, (0.7Å to 0.80Å ). Those concentrating on subtle surface detail require higher contrast filter, ( 0.50Å to 0.6Å ). Those interested in chromosphere or ultra-narrow bandpass would prefer a 0.4 to 0.3Å

Our most common two bandwidths are 0.5Å and 0.7Å for surface or prominence work.

 *1 The segment of the solar spectrum transmitted.

*2 An extremely flat and parallel crystalline substrate.

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DayStar Filters LLC • 149 Northwest OO Highway  •  Warrensburg, MO 64093 - USA
Telephone: 660-747-2100 •
service@daystarfilters.com • FAX: 1-866-791-0448

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