Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator, Continuous

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$1,716.00$4,202.00

Key Features

  • High power capability
  • High polarization purity
  • Computer control capability
  • 180-degree polarization rotation
  • Continuous rotation of linearly polarized light
Our Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator (LPR) continuously rotates the polarization orientation of a monochromatic, linearly polarized input beam. Our LPR consists of a compensated Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder combined with a zero-order polymer quarter-wave retarder.  The fast axis of the liquid crystal variable retarder is oriented at 45° to the slow axis of the quarter-wave retarder and the linearly polarized input must be parallel to the quarter-wave retarder slow axis.  Polarization rotation is achieved by electrically controlling the retardance of the Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder, eliminating any mechanical motion.

Common Specifications

Retarder Material: Nematic liquid crystal with Birefringent polymer

Substrate Material: Optical quality synthetic fused silica

Polarization Rotation: 180˚ or more

Polarization Purity: 150:1 average

Transmittance: > 92 % with polarized input

Transmitted Wavefront Distortion (P – V at 632.8 nm): ≤ λ/4

Surface Quality: 40 – 20 scratch-dig

Beam Deviation: ≤ 2 arc min

Reflectance (per surface): ≤ 0.5 % at normal incidence

Diameter Tolerance: ± 0.005 in.

Temperature Range: 0 ˚C to 50 ˚C

Safe Operating Limit: t 500 W/cm² , CW 300 mJ/cm² , 10 ns, visible

Size
Wavelength (nm)
Wavelength Range (nm)
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Size
Optimized Wavelength
Wavelength Range
Clear Aperture
Thickness
Lead Time
Price
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LPR-100-λ
1.000 in. (25.40 mm)
Specify λ 450-1800 in Checkout
450-1800
0.370 in. (9.4 mm)
1.230 in. (31.24 mm)
2 weeks
$1,716.00
LPR-200-λ
2.000 in. (50.80 mm)
Specify λ 450-1800 in Checkout
450-1800
0.700 in. (17.8 mm)
0.750 in. (19.05 mm)
2 weeks
$2,585.00
LPR-300-λ
3.000 in. (76.20 mm)
Specify λ 450-1800 in Checkout
450-1800
1.600 in. (40.64 mm)
1.000 in. (25.40 mm)
3 weeks
$4,202.00

Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator, Continuous

A quarter-wave retarder converts elliptical polarization formed by the Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder to linear polarization.  The rotation angle is equal to one-half the retardance change from the Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder.  Response time of the LPR depends upon the desired amount of rotation. Small rotations have a longer response time because of a smaller change in the electric field strength.

Polarization purity is defined as the ratio of the rotated linear component to the orthogonal component and, on average, polarization purity (or extinction ratio) is better than 150:1. We provide test data including the required voltages corresponding to polarization orientations, in 10° increments, from approximately – 40° to approximately 140° rotation. These measurements are taken at ambient temperature for your specified wavelength.

Standard Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotators are supplied without an input polarizer. Input polarization direction must be precisely aligned for optimum performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Retarder Material

Nematic liquid crystal with Birefringent polymer

Substrate Material

Optical quality synthetic fused silica

Wavelength

450 – 1800 nm (please specify)

Polarization Rotation

180˚ or more

Polarization Purity

150:1 average

Transmittance

> 92 % with polarized input

Transmitted Wavefront Distortion (at 632.8 nm)

≤ λ/4

Surface Quality

40 – 20 scratch-dig

Beam Deviation

≤ 2 arc min

Reflectance (per surface)

≤ 0.5 % at normal incidence

Diameter Tolerance

± 0.005 in.

Temperature Range

0 ˚C to 50 ˚C

Recommended Safe Operating Limit

t 500 W/cm² , CW 300 mJ/cm² , 10 ns, visible

Ordering Information – Contact Us or Buy Online

ORDERING INFORMATION

Diameter
in. (mm)

Clear Aperture
in. (mm)

Thickness
In. (mm)

Part Number

1.00 (25.4 mm)

0.37 (9.4 mm)

1.23 (31.25 mm)

LPR – 100 – λ

2.00 (50.8 mm)

0.70 (17.8 mm)

0.75 (19.05 mm)

LPR – 200 – λ

3.00 (76.2 mm)

1.60 (40.64 mm)

1.00 (25.4 mm)

LPR – 300 – λ

Please specify operating wavelength λ in nanometers when placing your order.
Custom sizes are available. Please contact our Sales Department for a custom quote.

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Liquid Crystal Device Operating Principles

Liquid Crystal Selection Guide

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