Waveplate Retardance Metrology: The Basics and Beyond

Summary Waveplates are essential optical components for controlling and measuring polarization states of light. They modify polarization through a parameter called retardance, without affecting the degree of polarization. The most commonly required retardances are half-wave and quarter-wave, and their accuracy directly impacts the purity of the output polarization state. However, both waveplate manufacturers and users […]