Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder

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Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder

KEY FEATURES

Computer control capability
Temperature control options
Usable from 450 to 1800 nm
Precision non-mechanical retardation control

DESCRIPTION

To prevent ionic buildup, which can damage the liquid crystal layer, liquid crystal devices should be electrically driven with an AC waveform with little to no DC component. We require a 2 kHz square wave of adjustable amplitude for controlling our Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders (LCVRs). Our Basic Controller and Four Channel Interface ensure these drive requirements are met.

A temperature sensing and control option can be added to our LCVRs for accurate control of the operating temperature. A temperature sensor is attached directly to the LCVR substrate, outside its clear aperture and a heater is attached to the LCVR housing. This provides active heating and passive cooling of the liquid crystal device.

FAQ: Proper cleaning and handling procedures for optical components

Specifications - Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder
Retarder Material	Nematic liquid crystal
Substrate Material	Optical quality synthetic fused silica
Wavelength Range	450-1800 nm (specify)
Retardance Range
Without compensator With compensator	~30 nm to λ/2 0 to λ/2
Transmitted Wavefront Distortion	≤ λ/4
Surface Quality (scratch-dig)	40-20
Beam Deviation	≤ 2 arc min
Reflectance (per surface)	≤ 0.5% at normal incidence
Temperature	0˚C to +50˚C
Laser Damage Threshold	500 W/cm², CW 300 mJ/cm², 10 ns, visible

Ordering Information - Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder
Clear Aperture in. [mm]	Diameter ± 0.005 in. [± 0.13 mm]	Thickness in. [mm]	Part Number
Without Attached Compensator (30 nm to λ/2)
0.37 [9.4]	Ø1.00 [Ø25.4]	1.23 [31.2]	LVR-100
0.70 [17.8]	Ø2.00 [Ø50.8]	0.75 [19.1]	LVR-200
1.60 [40.6]	Ø3.00 [Ø76.2]	1.00 [25.4]	LVR-300
With Attached Compensator (0 nm to λ/2)
0.37 [9.4]	Ø1.00 [Ø25.4]	1.23 [31.2]	LRC-100
0.70 [17.8]	Ø2.00 [Ø50.8]	0.75 [19.1]	LRC-200
1.60 [40.6]	Ø3.00 [Ø76.2]	1.00 [25.4]	LRC-300
We offer standard liquid crystal retarders to cover four spectral regions: VIS: 450 - 700 nm IR1: 650 - 950 nm IR2: 900 - 1250 nm IR3: 1200 - 1700 nm
Please specify spectral region when placing your order For temperature control options, append-TSC to part number.