Stories & Features
Flow Cytometry Filters with Cost-Effective Bandpass Optical Technology for Signal Clarity
Jul 30, 2026
by
IDEX Health & Science
See even more across the spectrum with our Nanopede™ Bandpass Optical Filters, engineered to deliver consistent, reliable results.
Our Semrock® Nanopede filter family provides the spectral coverage and precision needed for accurate data, making it ideal for flow cytometry, machine vision, breadboarding, and other point detection applications. With Nanopede you get essential performances with Semrock quality and experience.
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Four Filter Flights for Complete Spectral Coverage
Spectral flow cytometry collects fluorescence across the entire spectrum to identify multiple markers in a single sample. Our Semrock Nanopede filter family meets this challenge with four distinct flights of bandpass filters, engineered to deliver coverage from the UV through the NIR. Each series provides the spectral steps needed for spectral unmixing while helping you balance instrument cost and optical performance. The first two Nanopede filter catalog series cover the near UV and visible spectrum in even and odd 20 nm Full-Width, Half-Max (FWHM) steps. For NIR, the FWHM increases to 30 nm. The newest two flights increase the Full-Width, Half-Max steps to 50 nm.
Flights 1 & 2: Narrow FWHM Steps
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Flights 3 & 4: Increased FWHM Steps
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How Spectral Flow Cytometry Works
Flow cytometry interrogates cells through scattered light measurements and fluorescent markers. In spectral flow cytometry, fluorescence from each marker is collected across the entire spectrum using discrete, back-to-back (spectrally adjacent) optical filters. Tjhe photons are therefore binned and spectral unmixing can resolve which fluorescent markers are present in the interrogated cell. This process requires filters spanning UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths in discrete steps, making the right filter selection critical for both data quality and instrument efficiency.
Filter Design for Complete Spectral Coverage
To meet the need for full-spectrum detection in spectral flow cytometry, IDEX Health & Science offers the Semrock Nanopede bandpass optical filter family, engineered for consistent performance across the UV to NIR range. These essential performance and cost-effective filters cover the near-UV, visible, and NIR spectrum in two different ways: narrow FWHM and increased FWHM. The narrow FWHM Series use even and odd 20 nm Full-Width, Half-Max (FWHM) steps; moving into the NIR, the FWHM increases to 30 nm. The increased FWHM Series step through the spectrum in 50 nm FWHM steps from the UV to NIR. The seventy-three filters in the Nanopede™ family have been designed with your application in mind. The narrow FWHM Series are also available for purchase as complete sets.
Figure 1: Zoomed-in section depicting the full coverage of Nanopede Flight 1 and Flight 2 filters.
While Nanopede was initially designed for flow cytometry and point-based detection applications, these versatile filters can also be used extensively for breadboarding or kept on the shelf for use as needed.
Key Features of the Nanopede Filter Family
Spectral Coverage
Coverage of the spectrum in discrete steps so you can test several configurations and define the best combinations possible.
ODavg > 5 Blocking
Blocks from 330 to 900 nm, so you don’t pay for extended blocking you don’t need.
Laser ODavs > 5
Maintains > 5 at key laser wavelengths to assist in reducing light source bleedthrough.
Hard-Coated Quality
Hard coated for consistent performance with Semrock quality for spectral repeatability and proven reliability.
Compact Filters
Availability in 12.5 mm housed standard size filters with 10 mm clear aperture, providing a compact filter package. Custom sizes available for unique instrument footprints.
Readily Available
Available now to support your immediate prototyping needs through future volume production requirements.
Figure 2: The Nanopede bandpass optical filter family offers T > 93%. A close-up of FBP01-620/14 with its two neighboring filters is on the right.
Figure 3: The Nanopede bandpass optical filter family offers OD5 blocking. A close-up of FBP01-620/14 with its two neighboring filters is on the right.
Complete Nanopede Filter Family
Blue = Narrow Series (Flight 1 & 2)
Red = Wide Series (Flight 3 & 4)
Next-generation Optical Filter Solutions Backed by IDEX Health & Science Semrock Expertise
Our Nanopede filter family offers a value-driven approach to optical performance for your application, marking the beginning of a new generation of Semrock optical filters for a rapidly evolving market. Our understanding of essential filter performance is why we offer an off-the-shelf filter family designed for versatility with a contained cost. We combine this innovation with the trusted strengths of IDEX Health & Science, giving you:
- Essential specification designs with full-spectrum coverage for a balance of performance and cost.
- Broad optical portfolio to integrate seamlessly into diverse life-science instruments.
- OEM-proven reliability to scale designs from prototyping to high-volume production.
- Dedicated expert support to meet unique requirements or develop custom solutions.
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