A solid state form of a dye-solution absorption filter is disclosed. Physical vapor depositable (i.e., evaporable) dyes are codeposited with a polyester matrix in a vacuum system to randomly disperse dye molecules in a solid dilutant. The dyes are selected to absorb at the wavelengths of interest. Dilution in a transparent matrix affords narrow band absorption and good out of band transmittance. Multilayer configurations allow absorption of a plurality of wavelengths. The filter coating conforms to curved and sharply contoured surfaces and layers only 10 microns thick afford very high absorptance.
