The Mauna Kea Observatories Near-Infrared Filter Set. I: Defining Optimal 1-5 μm Bandpasses

A new MKO-NIR infrared filter set is described, including techniques and considerations given to designing a new set of bandpasses that are useful at both mid- and high-altitude sites. These filters offer improved photometric linearity and in many cases reduced background, as well as preserve good throughput within the JHKLM atmospheric windows. MKO-NIR filters have already been deployed with a number of instruments around the world as part of a filter consortium purchase to reduce the unit cost of filters. Through this effort we hope to establish, for the first time, a single standard set of infrared fitlers at as many observatories as possible.