Waveplates

Achromatic Waveplates

Our achromatic half waveplates or achromatic quarter waveplates with a retardation tolerance of λ/100 provide extremely broad wavelength range with only one optic.

The achromatic waveplate is similar to the zero order waveplate in that two plates with opposing retardation are used to achieve the final result.

The difference is that the two plates are made from different materials such as crystal quartz and magnesium fluoride.

Since the dispersion of the birefringence can be different for the two materials, it is possible to specify the retardation values over a wide wavelength range.

Low Order Waveplates

The low order waveplate is the most inexpensive design but is very sensitive to variations in wavelength and temperature.

The low (multiple) order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction.

This results in a single, physically robust component with the desired performance.

However, even small variation in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance.

Zero Order waveplates

The zero order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of zero full waves, plus the desired fraction. Zero order waveplates show better performance than multiple order waveplates.

These waveplates exhibit broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes. They should be considered for more critical applications.

We offer optically contacted, cemented and air-spaced zero order waveplates. The choice depends essentially on economics and power handling capabilities.

True Zero Order Waveplates

The true zero order waveplate is a single plate whose thickness is designed to give a retardance of the desired fraction. Zero order waveplates show better performance than multiple order ones.

They exhibit broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes. They should be considered for more critical applications.

We offer single plate true zero order waveplates for longer wavlengths. At short wavelengths, the plate becomes too thin to handle.

In these cases we can offer either a true single order waveplate or a true zero order waveplate cemented to a glass substrate.

In this case we also offer a proprietary design: the glass substrate can have an annular form so that the beam does not actually pass through the glass.

MID-IR Waveplates

Our mid-IR waveplates are true zero or single order designs manufactured from MgF₂ providing high transmission and very low wavefront distortion.

The true zero order retardation plate is a single plate whose thickness is designed to give a retardance of the desired fraction.

Zero order waveplates show better performance than multiple order waveplates.

These retardation plates exhibit broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes. They should be considered for more critical applications.

We offer single plate true zero order waveplates for longer wavelengths. At short wavelengths, the plate becomes too thin to handle. In these cases we can offer a true single order waveplate.

Mounts for Waveplates

Our waveplates are quoted standard unmounted, except for air-spaced waveplates which are quoted standard mounted. If you require mounted waveplates, you can find a list of our standard mounts here. Of course, we can also manufacture to your custom size or design as required.