New Optics for Astronomical Polarimetry

Summary New optical technologies are revolutionizing astronomical polarimetry by expanding the range of polarization optics for telescopes and scientific imaging. Liquid crystal retarders, including nematic liquid crystals and ferroelectric liquid crystals, offer electrical control of polarization with low voltage and fast response times, making them ideal for adaptive optics and infrared imaging. Polymer retarders provide […]

Liquid Crystal Operating Principles

Meadowlark Optics DOWNLOAD PRINCIPLES Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders are solid state, real-time, continuously tunable waveplates. Nematic liquid crystals are birefringent materials whose effective birefringence can be changed by varying an applied voltage. Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Retarders are constructed using precision polished, optically flat fused silica windows spaced a few microns apart. The cavity is […]