a solid state form of a dye - solution absorption filter is disclosed . physical vapor depositable 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 .