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.
Linear Retardance Measurement Accuracy Of Approximately ±0.0005 Waves From 400 – 1000 nm Wavelength And Approximately ±0.002 Waves Between 240 – 400 nm And 1 Micron To 5 Microns Wavelength. Our precision in phase retardation ensures optimal performance for various optical applications, including femtosecond lasers and polarization-sensitive systems.
Confirmed Clocking Accuracy On Compound Zero Order Retarders To Better Than 0.05°, ensuring that polarization state changes are predictable and stable.
Larger Variety Of Waveplate Types Than Any Other Company – Our selection includes quarter wave plates, half wave plates, and full wave plates, catering to applications requiring low order, multiple order, and achromatic waveplates.
Largest Known Crystal Waveplates: Quartz To 135 mm Diameter And Magnesium Fluoride To 120 mm Diameter, ensuring compatibility with applications demanding high damage threshold and optimal phase shift control.
Each standard waveplate is shipped with a retardance measurement at the customer’s wavelength of interest, ensuring its performance within the required wavelength range.
A waveplate, also known as a retarder, is a crucial component in optics that alters the polarization state of a light wave passing through it. The fundamental principle relies on the difference in the refractive index between the fast and slow axes of a birefringent material, such as crystal quartz or magnesium fluoride.
There are two primary types of waveplates:
Additionally, a quarter-waveplate is commonly used in systems where circular polarization or elliptical polarization is required.
A phase retarder manipulates polarized light by altering the optical path length for one polarization direction relative to the other. This results in a controlled phase shift, affecting the wave phase and leading to changes in light polarization states.
Our proprietary measurement techniques ensure exceptional retardation plate calibration accuracy, making us a leader in waveplate technology.
Selecting a waveplate requires careful consideration of wavelength dependence, temperature sensitivity, acceptance angle, response time, and aperture mm size. Our waveplate selection chart offers an overview of zero order waveplates, multi order waveplates, and achromatic waveplates for various applications.
We provide solutions including:
For applications requiring dual wavelength operation, zero order waveplates, or polarization state control, Meadowlark offers the most advanced waveplate solutions in the industry.
Meadowlark Optics designs retarders to excel in polarization-sensitive applications. Each product page includes a data sheet, details on the estimated delivery time, and additional optical components for precise phase control.
Currently, Meadowlark offers online shopping in the United States. We are happy to quote for your unique international location.
Click the options below for retarders Meadowlark Optics designs to excel in specific situations. Each product page includes a data sheet and links to more resources. Have questions?
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