Low order waveplates
from 266 nm to IR | >20 J/cm2 at 1064 nm
Half-waveplates (L/2 or λ/2 waveplates) are commonly used to rotate linear polarization or for electro-optic modulation.
Quarter-waveplates (L/4 or λ/4 waveplates) are typically used to convert linear polarization to circular polarization, or vice versa. This type of polarization conversion has applications in ellipsometry, optical pumping, and optical isolation.
Why the Low-Order Waveplate is the Most Cost-Effective Option Among Waveplates
This is because it achieves the desired retardance fraction by using an integer multiple of a retardance equal to m+1/2λ, where m is an integer. For instance, a 7.5λ waveplate functions identically to a half-waveplate. The integer values do not impact waveplate performance; they merely result in multiple wavelength shifts for the polarization. However, these shifts make the plate more sensitive to temperature and wavelength variations, limiting its use to applications where such sensitivity is less critical.
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Standard features
- Cost-effective compared to other types of waveplates.
- Robust design.
- High damage threshold.
- Functions similarly to zero-order waveplates.
- The thickness of the waveplate introduces disadvantages: it is more sensitive to temperature and wavelength changes.
- The low-order waveplate supports only a small angle of incidence.
- Thicker plates exhibit stronger chromatic dispersion effects, limiting the optical bandwidth within which the plate maintains accurate retardance values.
- Standard wavelengths include 266, 355, 515, 532, 633, 1030, 1053, and 1064 nm, extending into the infrared. Custom wavelengths may be available on request.
- Diameters up to Ø30 mm, including mounting.
- Standard transmitted wavefront distortion (TWFD) of λ/8 at 632.8 nm.
- Parallelism of less than 1 arcsec.
- Anti-reflective coating with R < 0.2%.
- LIDT values up to 20 J/cm² at 1064 nm, 10 Hz, and 10 ns for pulsed laser applications.
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