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.