Waveplate Principles
Download Principles Retarders are used in applications where control or
Key Features
Meadowlark Optics is proud to offer our Precision Superachromatic Retarder—with the broadest wavelength coverage of our entire retarder product line. These are available standard for two wavelength ranges: 420 to 1100 nm and 800 to 1700 nm. Both quarter- and half-wave retardances are available as standard options. Custom devices are available for other wavelength ranges and retardances. Stock items are not anti-reflection coated due to the broad wavelength coverage, but custom coatings can be provided.
The Superachromatic Retarders contain carefully aligned birefringent polymer sheets laminated between precision polished optically flat N-BK7 windows. While assembly is quite similar to that of our Precision Retarders, optical transmission is slightly reduced because there are more polymer layers and there is no anti-reflection coating.
Retarder Material: Birefringent Polymer
Substrate Material: N-BK7
TWD: (1.00 in.) λ/2 (P-V@633 nm)
Retardance Accuracy: ≤ λ/50
Acceptance Angle: ± 10˚
Surface Quality: 40 – 20 scratch-dig
Beam Deviation: ≤ 2 arc-min
Operating Temperature Range: – 20 ˚C to + 50 ˚C
Laser Damage Threshold:
500 W/cm², CW
600 mJ/cm², 20 ns, visible
4 J/cm², 20 ns, 1064 nm
Item # | Mount | Size | Wavelength | Retardance | Clear Aperture | Thickness | Lead Time | Price | Add to cart |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAHM-200-420/1100 | Mounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 420-1100 | λ/2 | 1.200 in. (30.50 mm) | 0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,245.00 | |
SAHM-200-800/1700 | Mounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 800-1700 | λ/2 | 1.200 in. (30.50 mm) | 0.500 in. (12.70 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,245.00 | |
SAQ-200-420/1100 | Unmounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 420-1100 | λ/4 | 1.600 in. (40.64 mm) | 0.510 in. (12.95 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,355.00 | |
SAQ-200-800/1700 | Unmounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 800-1700 | λ/4 | 1.600 in. (40.64 mm) | 0.510 in. (12.95 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,355.00 | |
SAH-200-420/1100 | Unmounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 420-1100 | λ/2 | 1.600 in. (40.64 mm) | 0.510 in. (12.95 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,355.00 | |
SAH-200-800/1700 | Unmounted | 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | 800-1700 | λ/2 | 1.600 in. (40.64 mm) | 0.510 in. (12.95 mm) | 1 - 2 Days | $3,355.00 |
The Superachromatic Retarders contain carefully aligned birefringent polymer sheets laminated between precision polished optically flat N-BK7 windows. While assembly is quite similar to that of our Precision Retarders, optical transmission is slightly reduced because there are more polymer layers and there is no antireflection coating.
These retarders are accurate to ± λ/50 over the entire wavelength range; we ship retardance measurements at more than 25 wavelengths accurate to ± 0.001 waves with every Precision Superachromatic Retarder.
SPECIFICATIONS | |
Retarder Material | Birefringent Polymer |
Substrate Material | N-BK7 |
Wavelength Ranges | 420 – 1100 nm 800 – 1700 nm |
TWD (1.00 in.) | λ/2 (P-V @ 633 nm) |
Retardance Accuracy | ≤ λ/50 |
Acceptance Angle | ± 10˚ |
Surface Quality | 40 – 20 |
Beam Deviation | ≤ 2 arc-min |
Operating Temperature Range | – 20 ˚C to + 50 ˚C |
Laser Damage Threshold | 500 W/cm², CW |
ORDERING INFORMATION | |||||
Mounted | |||||
Diameter | Clear Aperture | Thickness | Wavelength Range (nm) | λ/4 | λ/2 |
1.00 (25.40) | 0.70 (17.80) | 0.36 (9.10) | 420 – 1100 nm | AQM – 100S | AHM – 100S |
1.00 (25.40) | 0.70 (17.80) | 0.36 (9.10) | 800 – 1700 nm | AQM – 100L | AHM – 100L |
2.00 (50.80) | 1.20 (30.50) | 0.50 (12.70) | 420 – 1100 nm | AQM – 200S | AHM – 200S |
2.00 (50.80) | 1.20 (30.50) | 0.50 (12.70) | 800 – 1700 nm | AQM – 200L | AHM – 200L |
Unmounted | |||||
Diameter | Clear Aperture | Thickness | Wavelength Range (nm) | λ/4 | λ/2 |
1.00 (25.40) | 0.80 (20.30) | 0.27 (6.90) | 420 – 1100 nm | AQ – 100S | AH – 100S |
1.00 (25.40) | 0.80 (20.30) | 0.27 (6.90) | 800 – 1700 nm | AQ – 100L | AH – 100L |
2.00 (50.80) | 1.60 (40.60) | 0.51 (13.00) | 420 – 1100 nm | AQ – 200S | AH – 200S |
2.00 (50.80) | 1.60 (40.60) | 0.51 (13.00) | 800 – 1700 nm | AQ – 200L | AH – 200L |
Custom sizes and retardances are available. Please contact your sales engineer for assistance.
Download Principles Retarders are used in applications where control or
Meadowlark Optics Basic Polarization Techniques and Devices © 2005 Meadowlark