Waveplate Retardance Metrology: The Basics and Beyond

Understanding Waveplate Retardance A waveplate is an essential optical component used to control and measure the polarization state of light. Waveplates modify polarization through a parameter called retardance, without affecting the degree of polarization. Accurate measurement of retardance is critical for maintaining precise polarization control and verifying waveplate performance. The most commonly required retardances are […]

An Economical Means for Accurate Azimuthal Alignment of Polarization Optics

Summary Accurate azimuthal alignment of polarization optics, such as polarizers and retarders, is crucial for many polarized light applications. This document introduces a simple opto-mechanical tool designed for precise alignment using two rotatable mounts—one holding a polarizer and the other a half-wave retarder. The method of swings, illustrated with the Poincaré Sphere, is employed to […]

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 […]