Outer diameter up to 6 inches Clear aperture > 90% Custom size,...
DetailsA waveplate, also known as a retarder, is a tool used in optics that changes the way light waves moving through it are polarized. There are two main kinds of waveplates. The first kind, called a half-wave plate, changes the direction of light that’s polarized in a straight line. The second kind, known as a quarter-wave plate, can change light that’s polarized in a straight line into light that’s polarized in a circle, and can also do the reverse. Additionally, a quarter-wave plate can be used to create a special kind of polarization called elliptical polarization.
A phase retarder is a useful tool for manipulating polarized light by making the optical path length for one of the orthogonal polarizations different than the other. Generally speaking, quarter-wave retarders cause a phase shift in one electric field component which results in circularly polarized light. Half-wave retarders produce a λ/2 phase shift and rotate the polarization of linearly polarized light to twice the angle between the retarder’s fast axis and the plane of polarization. Passing circularly polarized light through a half-wave plate changes the “handedness” of the polarization.
Click the options below for retarders that Meadowlark Optics designs to excel in specific situations. Each product page includes a data sheet and links to more resources. Meadowlark currently offers online shopping in the United States only. We are happy to quote for your unique international location. Have questions? Contact us! We are happy to help!
Industry-Leading Metrology – Our proprietary measurement techniques provide you with extremely accurate calibration measurements for every waveplate/ retarder we ship.
High Quality and Precision – When selecting a waveplate, key performance features must be considered; examples of these include wavelength dependence, temperature sensitivity, acceptance angle, response time and aperture size. Our waveplate selection chart provides an at-a-glance view of our standard retarders; as always, Meadowlark solutions engineers are happy to assist you in the process of selecting a retarder that works best for your application.
Custom Solutions – Space flight retarders, superachromatic retarders from 500 to 1200 nm, retarders attached to beamsplitter cubes, retarder coatings applied to lenses and mirrors, variable retarders with switching speeds in picoseconds, ferroelectric liquid crystal retarders switching at low voltages from 50 to 100 microseconds, and more.
Industry-Leading Metrology
Our proprietary measurement techniques provide extremely accurate calibration measurements for every waveplate (or phase retardation plate) we ship. With precise characterization of retardation, phase shift, and polarization control, our metrology ensures your waveplates—whether zero order, multi-order, or achromatic waveplates—perform exactly as specified across the desired wavelength light range.
High Quality and Precision
When selecting a waveplate—also referred to as a retardation plate or optical device—it is critical to consider factors like wavelength dependence, temperature sensitivity, acceptance angle, aperture mm, refractive index, and response time. Whether you need a half wave plate to rotate the plane polarization of linearly polarized light, or a quarter wave plate to convert it into circularly polarized light, our selection chart offers a comprehensive look at low order, true zero, and multi-order options. Each waveplate is made from precision birefringent materials like crystalline quartz or magnesium fluoride, optimized to alter the state of light through controlled phase retardation along the fast and slow axes.
Our engineers help you choose between zero order waveplates (ideal for high thermal stability and broadband applications), dual wavelength solutions, or achromatic types suited for femtosecond lasers and high damage threshold applications.
Custom Solutions
From quarter waveplates used in polarized light microscopy to half waveplates for laser polarization control, Meadowlark offers custom solutions engineered to your specifications. We manufacture space flight retarders, dual wavelength retardation plates, and wave phase modulators with coatings for enhanced durability. Our ferroelectric liquid crystal retarders provide rapid switching (50 to 100 microseconds) and support applications in linear polarization and circular polarization control.
Explore retardation tailored to your wavelength range—from 500 nm to 1200 nm—and available in both mounted and unmounted configurations. Our coatings are compatible with optic axis alignment for beam propagation, ensuring optimal performance for polarization components across your system.
Innovating since 1979
Meadowlark Optics has provided advanced polarization optics and crystal optic axis solutions for over four decades. Our team specializes in the design and manufacture of wave plates, retardation plates, and optical elements that manipulate light waves, specifically the electric field components, to achieve desired polarization states.
Operating out of a 20,000 square foot facility equipped with clean rooms, advanced optical fabrication tools, and world-class metrology systems, we ensure precision in every nm nm of performance. Whether you’re working with linearly polarized wave setups, quarter wave plates for circular polarization, or exploring advanced merit function modeling for phase retardation, we’re here to help.
Need assistance choosing between zero order, multi-order, or dual wave designs? Contact a Meadowlark Solutions Engineer today to find the best waveplate for your project.
Outer diameter up to 6 inches Clear aperture > 90% Custom size,...
Details
High Damage Threshold Volume Pricing Superior IR performance Broad Spectral Performance UV...
Details
True zero-order retarders Excellent off-axis performance Unequaled measured accuracy Less temperature dependence...
Details
Unmatched off-axis performance Standard and custom wavelength retarders Mounted and unmounted versions...
Details
High extinction ratios Excellent surface quality Wide angular acceptance Low transmitted wavefront...
Details
Broad spectral range Superior field of view Thermally Stable Custom Wavelengths Available...
Details
Very thin profile Thermally stable High volume scalable AR coatings available Custom...
Details
Low order Wide angular field Broad wavelength coverage Coated or Uncoated Available Mounted or Unmounted Available Dual wavelength retarders can provide the same...
Details