Precision Waveplate

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$435.00$1,727.00

Key Features

  • True zero-order retarders
  • Excellent off-axis performance
  • Unequaled measured accuracy
  • Less temperature dependence than quartz waveplates
  • Lower cost than compound zero-order waveplates
  • Better angular acceptance than compound zero-order quartz waveplates
Meadowlark Optics specializes in precision polymer retarders for the visible to near infrared region. Our Precision Retarders have the highest optical quality and tightest retardance tolerance of all polymer retarders. These true zero-order Precision Retarders consist of a birefringent polymer cemented between two precision polished, optically flat BK 7 windows. The retarder fast axis is conveniently marked for quick and easy reference.

Precision Waveplate

Common Specifications

Retarder Material: Birefringent Polymer
Substrate Material: N-BK7
Retardance Accuracy: ≤ λ/350
Transmitted Wavefront Distortion: ≤ λ/5
Surface Quality (scratch-dig): 40 – 20
Beam Deviation: ≤ 1 arc-min

Reflectance (per surface): ≤ 0.5 % at normal incidence
Laser Damage Threshold:
     500 W/cm², CW
     600 mJ/cm², 20 ns, visible
     4 J/cm², 20 ns, 1064 nm
Operating Temperature Range: – 20˚C to 50˚C 

Mounting
Size
Wavelength (nm)
Retardance
10 per page
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Item #
Mount
Size
Wavelength
Retardance
Clear Aperture
Thickness
Lead Time
Price
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NH-050-0532
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
532
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NH-050-0670
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
670
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NH-050-0780
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
780
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NH-050-0850
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
850
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NH-050-1064
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
1064
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NH-050-1550
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
1550
λ/2
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NQ-050-0532
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
532
λ/4
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NQ-050-0670
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
670
λ/4
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NQ-050-0780
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
780
λ/4
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
NQ-050-0850
Unmounted
0.500 in. (12.70 mm)
850
λ/4
0.400 in. (10.1 mm)
0.130 in. (3.30 mm)
1 - 2 Days
$435.00
1211

Precision Waveplate

Precision Retarders are supplied with a broadband antireflection coating. Optical transmittance of a Precision Retarder is typically greater than 97%. The retardance δ  at a wavelength λ that is different from the center wavelength λc is given by:

δ ≈ δc(λc /λ)

where δc is the retardance at λc…

This relationship is very important when using sources which vary in wavelength from their nominal value. The 2 graphs show the retardance behavior as a function of relative wavelength for a quarter- and half-wave retarder, respectively. The Mueller calculus can be used to calculate the transmitted polarization state based upon the retardance differences from the ideal case.

Since polymer retarders are true zero-order devices, they offer the significant advantage of improved angular performance. You can expect less than 1% retardance change over ± 10° incidence angle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Retarder Material

Birefringent Polymer

Substrate Material

N-BK7

Standard Wavelengths

532, 632.8, 670, 780, 850, 1064, and 1550 nm

Custom Wavelengths

400 – 1800 nm (please specify)

Standard Retardances

λ/2 and λ/4

Retardance Accuracy

≤ λ/350

Retardance Change (at 30˚tilt)

≤ λ/32 (Half-Wave) and ≤ λ/59 (Quarter-Wave)

Transmitted Wavefront Distortion

≤ λ/5

Surface Quality (scratch-dig)

40 – 20

Beam Deviation

≤ 1 arc-min

Reflectance (per surface)

≤ 0.5 % at normal incidence

Threshold

500 W/cm², CW
600 mJ/cm², 20 ns, visible
4 J/cm², 20 ns, 1064 nm

Operating Temperature Range

20 ˚C to 50 ˚C

Ordering Information – Contact Us or Buy Online

ORDERING INFORMATION

Mounted

Clear Aperture 
in. (mm)

Dimensions
± 0.005 in.
(± 0.13 mm)

Thickness
± 0.020 in.
(± 0.51 mm)

Part Number

Half-Wave

0.40
(10.2)

Ø 1.00
(Ø 25.4)

0.25
(6.35)

NHM – 050 – λ

0.70
(17.8)

Ø  1.00
(Ø25.4)

0.35
(8.9)

NHM – 100 – λ

1.20
(30.5)

Ø 2.00
(Ø 50.8)

0.50
(12.7)

NHM – 200 – λ

Quarter-Wave

0.40
(10.2)

Ø 1.00
(Ø25.4)

0.25
(6.35)

NQM – 050 – λ

0.70
(17.8)

Ø 1.00
(Ø25.4)

0.35
(8.9)

NQM – 100 – λ

1.20
(30.5)

Ø 2.00
(Ø 50.8)

0.50
(12.7)

NQM – 200 – λ

Unmounted

Clear
Aperture
in. (mm)

Dimensions
+ 0 / – 0.010 in.
(+ 0 / – 0.25 mm)

Thickness
± 0.020 in.
(± 0.51 mm)

Part Number

Half-Wave

0.40
(10.2)

Ø 0.50
(Ø 12.70)

0.13
(3.3)

NH – 050 – λ

0.80
(20.3)

Ø 1.00
(Ø 25.4)

0.26
(6.3)

NH – 100 – λ

1.60
(40.6)

Ø 2.00
(Ø 50.8)

0.51
(13.0)

NH – 200 – λ

Quarter-Wave

0.40
(10.2)

Ø 0.50
(Ø 12.70)

0.13
(3.3)

NQ – 050 – λ

0.80
(20.3)

Ø 1.00
(Ø 25.4)

0.26
(6.3)

NQ – 100 – λ

1.60
(40.6)

Ø 2.00
(Ø 50.8)

0.51
(13.0)

NQ – 200 – λ

Please specify your center wavelength λ in nanometers when ordering.
Custom sizes and shapes with improved transmitted wavefront distortion and/or beam deviation are available.
Contact us below for a custom quote.

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WAVEPLATE OR RETARDER Operating Principles

Waveplate Selection Guide

request a custom quote or get technical answers

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