Waveplate

Waveplates and polarization rotators use birefringence to transform, control, or analyze the polarization state of light.  Our catalog line of high energy quartz retarders include 90° polarization rotators, multiple-order and compound zero-order waveplates, as well as Nd:YAG dual wavelength options, all with highly accurate retardation.  These come as standard and semi-custom for the most popular wavelengths from 193 – 1550 nm.  Our semi-custom waveplates allow your choice of zero- or multiple-order, wavelength, diameter, retardation, and ring- or air- spaced mounting.  Choosing the right wave retarder for a specific application can be challenging, so our technical support team is available to assist you in the decision.  If your application requires more than a catalog solution, we are ready to meet your needs with customized offerings.
 
We can manufacture quartz waveplates with custom retardation for use at wavelengths from 193 to 2100 nm, and with special shapes in diameters up to 2 inches.  This includes compound zero-order waveplates, multiple-order waveplates for single or dual wavelength operation, as well as low-order waveplates for applications where a large field of view or high stability with wavelength and temperature variation is required.  Depending on the laser damage threshold, environmental and cost constraints, compound waveplates may be cemented, optically contacted, or air-spaced.  Our catalog quartz polarization rotators can also be customized for your specific wavelength, rotation angle, or size.  We perform true optical measurement of retardation tolerance in-house for all of our waveplates, demonstrating our commitment to exceptional polarization control.    
We have extensive experience in manufacturing quartz retarders with very low transmitted wavefront error, tight parallelism and retardation control, and pristine 10 – 5 surface quality, coated with low-loss high energy antireflection coatings for maximum power handling. We can supply parts with fully custom tolerances, should they be tighter or looser, working with you to define the best set of specifications for your application. Relaxed specifications may also be appropriate for wave retarders for use at UV wavelengths or in larger sizes.  Please call us to discuss your cost and performance requirements.  
In addition to quartz, we can also manufacture custom zero-order mica waveplates for low power applications at visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
 
 

Capabilities

 
Standard & Semi-custom
Additional Custom Options
Types
λ/2 & λ/4 Multiple order waveplates
λ/2 & λ/4 Compound zero waveplates
Dual wavelength waveplates
90° Polarization rotators
Custom retardations & wavelengths
Custom retardation angles
Low-order quartz waveplates
Mica true zero-order waveplates, bare or laminated
Materials
Crystal quartz
Mica
Dimensions
Waveplates: 12.7 to 50.8 mm
Rotators: 12.7 mm
5.0 to 50.8 mm
Wavelengths
Waveplates: 193 - 1550 nm
Polarization rotators: 532, 1064 nm
Waveplates: 193 - 2020 nm
Polarization rotators: 193 - 1550 nm
Coatings
Narrowband V-coat AR
Dual-wavelength AR (532/1064 nm)
Other wavelength AR (193 - 2100 nm)
Lower reflectivity AR
Construction
Ring mounted
Optically contacted
Air-spaced mounted
Custom ring mounted
Quality
Laser quality
See manufacturing tolerances below

Quartz Waveplate Manufacturing Capabilities**

Surface Tolerances
Precision
Laser Quality
High Precision
Surface quality (scratch - dig)
20 - 10
10 - 5
5 - 2
Surface roughness (Å, RMS)
10
7
3 - 5
Transmitted Wavefront Error
(waves, P-V @ 633 nm)
λ/2
λ/10
λ/25
Parallelism
≤ 2 arc sec
≤ 0.5 arc sec
 
Retardance Tolerance
λ/50 @ 23°C
λ/200 @ 23°C
λ/500 @ 23°C
Dimensional  Tolerances
Commercial
Precision
High Precision
Diameter (mm)
+0.000 / -0.250
+0.000 / -0.100
+0.000 / -0.015
Clear aperture (%)
≥ 85%
≥ 90%
≥ 95%

Quartz Rotator Manufacturing Capabilities**

Surface  Tolerances
Precision
Laser Quality
High Precision
Surface quality (scratch - dig)
40 - 20
10 - 5
5 - 2
Surface roughness (Å, RMS)
10
7
3 - 5
Transmitted Wavefront Error
(waves, P-V @ 633 nm)
λ/2 to λ/4
λ/6 to λ/10*
λ/25
Parallelism
≤ 1 arc sec
≤ 0.5 arc sec
 
Rotation angle
 
± 0.5° at 23°C
 
Dimensional  Tolerances
Commercial
Precision
High Precision
Diameter (mm)
+0.000 / -0.250
+0.000 / -0.100
+0.000 / -0.010
Clear aperture (%)
≥ 85%
≥ 90%
≥ 95%
Waveplates (retardation plates or phase shifters) are made from materials which exhibit birefringence. The velocities of the extraordinary and ordinary rays through the birefringent material varies inversely with their refractive indices. This difference in velocities gives rise to a phase difference when the two beams recombine. In the case of an incident linearly polarized beam this is given by α=2πd(neno)/λ, where α is phase difference; d is thickness of waveplate; ne,no are refractive indices of extraordinary and ordinary rays respectively; λ is wavelength. At any specific wavelength the phase difference is governed by the thickness of the retarder.
λ/2 Waveplate
The thickness of a half waveplate is such that the phase difference is 1/2-wavelength (λ/2,true zero order) or certain multiple of 1/2-wavelength [(2n+1)λ/2,multiple order].
A linearly polarized beam incident on a half waveplate emerges as a linearly polarized beam but rotated such that its angle to the optical axis is twice that of the incident beam. Therefore, half-waveplates can be used as continuously adjustable polarization rotators. Half-waveplates are used to rotate the plane of polarization, electro-optic modulation and as a variable ratio beamsplitter when used in conjunction with a polarization cube.
λ/4 Waveplate
The thickness of the quarter waveplate is such that the phase difference is 1/4 wavelength (λ/ 4,true zero order) or certain multiple of 1/4 wavelength [(2n+1)λ/4,multiple order].
If the angle θ (between the electric field vector of the incident linearly polarized beam and the retarder principal plane) of the quarter-waveplate is 45°, the emergent beam is circularly polarized. When a quarter waveplate is double passed, i.e. by mirror reflection, it acts as a half waveplates and rotates the plane of polarization to a certain angle. Quarter waveplate are used in creating circular polarization from linear or linear polarization from circular, ellipsometry, optical pumping, suppressing unwanted reflection and optical isolation
 
Waveplate
Part #
(λ/100 Bandwidth)λ/2@532nm
Acceptance Angle
Plates
Damage Threshold
Multi-order Waveplate(Quartz)
WPMXXXX
0.29nm
(T=0.9686nm)
Low
Single
1GW/cm2
Low-order
Waveplate
(Quartz)
WPLXXXX
0.92nm
(T=0.3036mm)
Medium
Single
1GW/cm2
Zero-order Waveplate
(Quartz)
Optically
Contracted
WPOXXXX

19.22nm
(△T=0.0145mm)

Low
Double
(Optical Contacted)
~200 MW/cm2
Air-spaced
WPAXXXX
19.22nm
(△T=0.0145mm)
Low
Double
(Air Contacted)
~500 MW/cm2
Cemented
WPCXXXX
19.22nm
(△T=0.0145mm)
Low
Double Cemented
(Epoxy)
~100 MW/cm2
Achromatic Waveplate
(Quartz)
WPBXXXX
200nm
Low
Double
(Optical Contacted or Air Contacted)
~10MW/cm2
True Zero-order Waveplate
High Power Waveplate
WPHXXXX
19.22nm
(T=0.0145mm)
High
Double
(Optical Bonding)
>1GW/cm2
Cemented
WPFXXXX
19.22nm
(T=0.0145mm)
High
Double
(CementedContacted)
~10MW/cm2
Single Plate
WPSXXXX
19.22nm
(T=0.0145mm)
High
Single
>1GW/cm2
 Single Plate
(Quartz) with BK7 Holder
WPQXXXX
19.22nm
(T=0.0145mm)
High
Single
(BK7 Ring as Holder)
>1GW/cm2
DoubleWavelength Waveplate (Quartz)
WPDXXXX
Very Small
Low
Single
1GW/cm2
Fresnal Rhomb Retarder
FRRXXXX
Broadband
Medium
Single or Double (Optical Contact or Cemented)
500MW/cm2
Polarization Rotators(Quartz)
WPRXXXX
20nm
High
Single
1GW/cm2
IR Waveplate
WPSXXX-M
 
High
Single
>1GW/cm2
 
POLARIZATION ROTATORS
Polarization roators offer 45° to 90°rotation at a number of common laser wavelengths.The optical axis in apolarization rotator is perpendicular to the polished face.The result is that the orientation of in put linearly polarized light is rotated as it propagates through the device.

Specifications

•Wide Angle Acceptance
•Better Temperature Bandwidth
•Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
•AR Coated,R<0.2%
Standard Wavelength:532nm,632.8nm,1064nm
 
 

Lasertec Standard Products

Quarter Waveplate P/ N#
Diameter(mm)
Rotation
WPR4512
12.7
45°
WPR4515
15.0
45°
WPR4520
20.0
45°
WPR4525
25.4
45°
WPR9012
12.7
90°
WPR9015
15.0
90°
WPR9020
20.0
90°
WPR9025
25.4
90°
 
 
 

HIGH POWER WAVEPLATE

Features

•True Zero Order Wavepalte
•Epoxy Free
•High Power:>10J/cm2@1064nm,20ns,20Hz
•Wide Wavelength:400-3000nm
•Good for UV Application
•Easy Handing
 
Waveplate Comparison
High Power Waveplate
Low-order Waveplate
Zero-order wavepalte(Cemented/Optical Contacted)
For Short
WPH
WPL
WPC/WPO
λ/100Spectra Bandwidth@532nm
9.16nm
0.51nm
9.16nm
λ/100Temperture Bandwidth△T
230.56k
12.13k
230.56k
Acceptance Angle
11.37°
2.63°
11.37°
Damage Threshold@1064nm,10ns,20Hz
>10J/cm2
>10J/cm2
~0.1J/cm2(WPC)
~2J/cm2(WPO)
Extinction Ratio
High
High
Low
 
 
 
Quarter Waveplate Part No.
Half Waveplate Part No.
Diameter
WPH210Q
WPH210H
10.0
WPH212Q
WPH212H
12.7
WPH215Q
WPH215H
15.0
WPH220Q
WPH220H
20.0
WPH225Q
WPH225H
25.4
WPH230Q
WPH230H
30.0

Advantages of High Power Waveplate

a.Compare with WPL,WPH has wider spectra&temperature bandwidth and wider angular field.
b. Based on our unique optical bonding technology,WPH has higher damage threshold and better extinction ratio which compared with WPO or WPC.
c. The thickness of WPH is more suitable for handing compare with single plate true zero order waveplate,which is easy to be damaged.
 
 

LOW ORDER WAVEPALTE

The low order waveplate which can be replaced by mulit-order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves,plus the desired fraction.This results in a single,physically robust component with desired performance.However,even small varitation in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fraction retardance.
 
 
 
Specification
Material
Quartz
Dimension Tolerance
+0.0,-0.1
Wavefront Distortion
λ/8@633nm
Retardation Tolerance
λ/60-λ/150(λ<400nm)
λ/150-λ/350(400nm<λ<700nm)
λ/350-λ/600(λ>700nm)
Parallelism
<1 arc second
Surface Quality
20/10scratch /dig
Clear Apterure
Central 90%
AR Coating
<0.2%@wavelength
Holder
Refer to <<Holders for waveplate>>
Standard Wavelength: 266nm, 355nm, 632.8nm, 780nm, 808nm, 980nm, 1064nm, 1310nm, 1550nm
 
         
         λ/2@532nm                             λ/4@532nm
Lasertec Standard Products(Without Holder)
Quartz Waveplate P/N#
Half Waveplate P/N#
Diameter(mm)
WPL210Q
WPL210H
10.0
WPL212Q
WPL212H
12.7
WPL215Q
WPL215H
15.0
WPL220Q
WPL220H
20.0
WPL225Q
WPL225H
25.4
WPL230Q
WPL230H
30.0
 
 
 
 

ZERO ORDER WAVEPLATE

The zero order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of zero full waves, plus the desired fraction.Zero order waveplate shows better performance than multiple order wavepalte.It has broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes.It should be considered for more critical applications。
Specification
Material
Quartz
Dimension Tolerance
+0.0,-0.1
Wavefront Distortion
<λ/8@633nm
Retardation Tolerance
λ/60-λ/150(λ<400nm)
λ/150-λ/350(400nm<λ<700nm)
λ/350-λ/600(λ>700nm)
Parallelism
<1 arc second
Surface Quality
20/10scratch /dig
Clear Apterure
Central 90%
AR Coating
<0.2%@wavelength
Holder
Refer to<<Holders for waveplate>>
StandarWavelength:266nm,355nm,532nm,632.8nm,780nm,808nm,980nm,1064nm,1310nm,1550nm
Note:wavelengths within the range of 240-2300nm are also available upon request.

Zero Order Waveplates Optically Contacted

• Optically Contacted
• AR Coated,R<0.2%
•High Damage Threshold                           
•Better Temperature Bandwidth
•Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
                                                
StandardWavelength:266nm,355nm,532nm,632.8nm,780nm,808nm,850nm,980nm,1064nm,1310nm,1480nm,1550nm
 
 
 
Lasertec Standard Products(Without Holder)
Quartz Waveplate P/N#
Half Waveplate P/N#
Diameter(mm)
WPO210Q
WPO210H
10.0
WPO212Q
WPO212H
12.7
WPO215Q
WPO215H
15.0
WPO220Q
WPO220H
20.0
WPO225Q
WPO225H
25.4
WPO230Q
WPO230H
30.0

ZERO ORDER WAVEPLATE

Zero Order Waveplate Air-spaced
   Double Retardation Plates
 AR Coated,R<0.2% and Mounted
   High Damage Threshold
   Better Temperature Bandwidth
    Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
Lasertec Standard Products
Quartz Waveplates P/N#
Half Waveplates P/N#
Waveplate Aperture(mm)
Mount Diameter(mm)
Mount Thickness(mm)
WPA210Q
WPA210H
10.0
25.4
6.0
WPA212Q
WPA212H
12.7
25.4
6.0
WPA215Q
WPA215H
15.0
25.4
6.0
WPA220Q
WPA220H
20.0
30.0
6.0
WPA225Q
WPA225H
25.4
30.0
6.0
WPA230Q
WPA230H
30.0
38.1
6.0
Zero Order Waveplates Cemented by Epoxy
This type of zero order waveplate is constructed of two multiple order waveplate with their axes crossed.Thus the effect of the first plate is canceled by the second ,except for the residual difference between them,
•Cemented by Epoxy
•Better Temperature Bandwidth
•Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
•AR Coated,R<0.2%
 
 
 

Lasertec Standard Products(Without Holder)

Quartz Waveplate P/N#
Half Waveplate P/N#
Diameter(mm)
WPC210Q
WPC210H
10.0
WPC212Q
WPC212H
12.7
WPC215Q
WPC215H
15.0
WPC220Q
WPC220H
20.0
WPC225Q
WPC225H
25.4
WPC230Q
WPC230H
30.0
 
 
 

TRUE ZERO ORDER WAVEPLATE

This type of waveplate is constructed of a true zero order waveplate and a BK7 substrate.As the waveplate is very thin and easy to be damaged,the BK7 plates function is to strengthen the wavepalte.
•Cemented by Epoxy
•Wide Angle Acceptance
•Better Temperature Bandwidth
•Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
•AR Coated,R<0.2%

Standard Wavelength:

λ/4:532nm,632.8nm,780nm,808nm,980nm,1064nm,1310nm,1480nm,1550nm
λ/2:532nm,632.8nm,780nm,808nm,980nm,1064nm,1310nm,1480nm,1550nm

Lasertec Standard Products

Quarter Waveplate P/ N#
Half Waveplate P/ N#
Diameter(mm)
WPF210Q
WPF210H
10.0
WPF212Q
WPF212H
12.7
WPF215Q
WPF215H
15.0
WPF220Q
WPF220H
20.0
WPF225Q
WPF225H
25.4
WPF230Q
WPF230H
30.0

True Zero Order Waveplate Single Waveplte

This type of waveplate is made of a very thin quartz waveplate which function as true zero order.In some cases ,the thickness required for single true zero order waveplates is too thin,they have to be provided as first order waveplate.
Standard Wavelength:
λ/4: 1310nm, 1480nm, 1550nm
λ/2: 980nm, 1064nm, 1310nm,1480nm, 1550nm
Minimal Thickness:0.038mm

Lasertec Standard Products

Quarter Waveplate P/ N#
Half Waveplate P/ N#
Diameter(mm)
WPS210Q
WPS210H
10.0
WPS212Q
WPS212H
12.7
WPS215Q
WPS215H
15.0
WPS220Q
WPS220H
20.0
WPS225Q
WPS225H
25.4
WPS230Q
WPS230H
30.0
 
 
 
 

ACHROMATIC WAVEPLATES

Lasertec has special designed achromatic waveplates by using two pieces of plates.It is similar to Zero-order waveplate except that the two plates are made from different materials,such as crystal quartz and magnesium fluoride.Since the dispersion of the birefringence can be different for the two materials,it is possible to specify the retardation values at a wavelength range,From the curve,you can see that the bandwidth of such achromatic waveplate is very wide ,while the achromatic waveplates remain a nearly constant retardance over a range of wavelength.
Specification
Material
Quartz and MgF2
Wavefront Distortion
λ/8@633nm
Dimension Tolerance
+0.0,-0.1
Retardation Tolerance
λ/100
Parallelism
1 arc second
Surface Quality
40/20 Scratch /Dig
Clear Apterure
Central 90%
AR Coating
Ravg<0.8% at Central Wavelength
Standard Wavelength
VIS 465-650nm,NIR650-1100nm,IR1000-1750m,
 
 
 
     
WPBXXXH 465-650nm                                 WPBXXXQ 465-650nm

Achromatic Waveplate Optical Cemented

Quartz Waveplate P/N#
Half Waveplate P/N#
Diameter(mm)
WPB210Q
WPB210H
10.0
WPB212Q
WPB212H
12.7
WPB215Q
WPB215H
15.0
WPB220Q
WPB220H
20.0
WPB225Q
WPB225H
25.4
WPB230Q
WPB230H
30.0

Achromatic Waveplate Air-Spaced(Mounted)

Quartz Waveplate P/N#
Half Waveplate P/N#
Waveplate Aperture(mm)
Mount Diameter(mm)
WPB510Q
WPB510H
10.0
12.7
WPB512Q
WPB512H
12.7
25.4
WPB515Q
WPB515H
15.0
25.4
WPB520Q
WPB520H
20.0
25.4
WPB525Q
WPB525H
25.4
30.0
WPB530Q
WPB530H
30.0
38.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TRUE ZERO ORDER WAVEPLATE

WPQ is our new product,true zero order waveplate single waveplate on annual glass frames,the ray only through the quartz,epoxy free.It can meet high damage threshold and better parallelism.The frames can be designed by different requirement.
Standard Wavelength:
λ/4: 1310nm, 1480nm, 1550nm
λ/2: 980nm, 1064nm, 1310nm,1480nm, 1550nm

Lasertec Standard Products

Quarter Waveplate P/ N#
Half Waveplate P/ N#
Diameter(mm)
WPQ210Q
WPQ210H
10.0
WPQ212Q
WPQ212H
12.7
WPQ215Q
WPQ215H
15.0
WPQ220Q
WPQ220H
20.0
WPQ225Q
WPQ225H
25.4
WPQ230Q
WPQ230H
30.0
 

Double Wavelength Waveplate

Double Wavelength Waveplate is a special kind of multi-order waveplate.It can meet the required retardation at two wavelength at the same time.It widely used to improve the conversion efficiency in solid double frequency laser device.
• Better Parallelism
•Wide Angle Acceptance
•Better Temperature Bandwidth
•Wide Wavelength Bandwidth
•AR Coated,R<0.2%

Standard Wavelength:

λ@1064nm+λ/2@532nm,λ/2@1064nm+λ@532nm
λ@532nm+λ/2@355nm, λ/2@532nm+λ@355nm
λ@800nm+λ/2@400nm, λ/2@800nm+λ@400nm

Lasertec Standard Products

P/ N#
Diameter(mm)
WPD210
10.0
WPD212
12.7
WPD215
15.0
WPD220
20.0
WPD225
25.4
WPD230
30.0