A method for the design of cutoff filters is proposed that is based on the
use of light at nonnormal angles of incidence and on the use of coating mat
erials with a large dispersion of the optical constants. The optical consta
nts are presented of several films made from indium tin oxide-a material th
at satisfies this requirement. The filtering is due to absorption, critical
angle effects, or both. The theory of this type of filter is described, an
d the calculated performance of two long-wavelength cutoff filters based on
the use of indium tin oxide films is given. The angular performance and th
e producibility of one of these filters are examined. Some applications for
these filters are considered, and the feasibility of producing similar fil
ters for other spectral regions is discussed. (C) 1999 Optical Society of A
merica.