Abstract: A filter and fabrication process for a thin film filter that is based on frustrated total internal reflection and multiple waveguide layers, in which the waveguide modes are resonantly coupled. The physics of the design is related to prism coupling of light into planar waveguides, and waveguide coupling between planar waveguides in close proximity. Embodiments include a filter that acts as a bandpass filter and polarizer, a filter that acts as a bandpass filter, polarizer and angle filter (spatial filter), a filter that is widely tunable, and a filter that is widely tunable in both peak transmission wavelength and width. Methods of fabrication are disclosed, and methods to correct for manufacturing errors in thin film deposition are described. The filter embodiments can also be used in reflection as notch filters in wavelength and angle, for a particular polarization component.