Waveplate Principles
Download Principles Retarders are used in applications where control or
Key Features
Dual wavelength retarders can provide the same retardance at two wavelengths that are separated in wavelength by more than the span covered by an achromatic retarder. They can also provide different specified retardances at two different wavelengths.
Traditionally these retarders have been made using crystal quartz and are multiorder retarders at both wavelengths. Our dual wavelength retarders use polymers instead. They are usually much lower order and consequently have a slower change in retardance with angle of incidence as shown in the graph. On average the order is about 20% of that for a comparable quartz dual wavelength retarder.Retarder Material: Birefringent Polymer
Substrate Material: N-BK7
Retardance Accuracy: ≤ λ/100 at both wavelengths
Transmitted Wavefront Distortion: ≤ λ/4
Beam Deviation: ≤ 1 arc-min
Reflectance (per surface): ~ 4 % at normal incidence
Storage Temperature: design dependent
Operating Temperature: design dependent
Item # | Size | Retardance 1 | Retardance 2 | Lead Time | Price NOTE Price subject to change if alternate materials are required to fulfill your specified requirements. You will NOT be charged without your agreement. | Add to Cart |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) | λ | λ | 6 weeks | $2,464.00 | ||
0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | λ/4 | λ | 6 weeks | $2,259.00 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) | λ/2 | λ/2 | 6 weeks | $2,384.00 | ||
0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | λ | λ/2 | 6 weeks | $2,259.00 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) | λ/4 | λ | 6 weeks | $2,464.00 | ||
0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | λ/2 | λ/4 | 6 weeks | $2,179.00 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) | λ | λ/2 | 6 weeks | $2,464.00 | ||
0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | λ | λ | 6 weeks | Contact for price | ||
0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | λ/4 | λ/2 | 6 weeks | $2,259.00 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) | λ/2 | λ/4 | 6 weeks | $2,384.00 |
Traditionally these retarders have been made using crystal quartz and are multiorder retarders at both wavelengths. Our dual wavelength retarders use polymers instead. They are usually much lower order and consequently have a slower change in retardance with angle of incidence as shown in the graph. On average the order is about 20% of that for a comparable quartz dual wavelength retarder.
Call for a quote on a custom coating on these normally uncoated retarders. The retardance tolerance is ±0.01 waves at both wavelengths. Many custom combinations not listed in the catalog are available. Please call for a quote on your custom requirement. Standard unmounted sizes are 0.50 inches and 1.00 inches.
SPECIFICATIONS | |
Retarder Material | Birefringent Polymer |
Substrate Material | N-BK7 |
Retardance Accuracy | ≤ λ/100 at both wavelengths |
Transmitted Wavefront Distortion | ≤ λ/4 |
Beam Deviation | ≤ 1 arc-min |
Reflectance (per surface) | ~ 4 % at normal incidence |
Storage Temperature | design dependent |
Operating Temperature | design dependent |
Custom anti-reflection coatings to provide less than 0.5% reflection at both wavelengths are available.Please call your Meadowlark Optics sales engineer for a quote.
ORDERING INFORMATION | ||
Thickness in. (mm) | Dimensions in. (mm) | Part Number |
0.14 (3.6 mm) | 0.50 (Ø 12.7 mm) | D R1 R2 – d – λ1/λ2 |
R1,R2 = Q for quarter wave, H for half wave
d = Diameter (e.g. – 100 is 1″ OD)
λ1,λ2 = Design wavelengths.(e.g. – 0488 is 488 nm)
DQH-200-λ1,λ2 = 2″ Quarter Waveplate @ λ1, Half @ λ2.
Download Principles Retarders are used in applications where control or
Meadowlark Optics Basic Polarization Techniques and Devices © 2005 Meadowlark