The Mauna Kea observatories near-infrared filter set. I. Defining optimal 1-5 micron bandpasses

A new Mauna Kea Observatories near-infrared (MKO-NIR) 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 preserving good throughput within the JHKLM atmospheric windows. MKO-NIR filters have already been deployed within 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 filters at as many observatories as possible.