Incoherent Light Sources
Particle and Quantum Sources
Optical Systems
Opto-Mechanics
Non-Contact Inspection
Spectral Analysis
Imaging and Vision
FILTER PRODUCTS
Did You know?
Achromatic waveplates consist of two different materials, such as crystal quartz and magnesium fluoride, to achieve nearly constant retardation across a broad spectral band. They have a working principle very similar to that of an achromatic lens, which matches two types of glasses to achieve a desired focal length while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Achromatic waveplates are mostly fabricated by two methods. The first one involves cementing two different types of birefringent optical plates together with a transparent layer of optical cement across their full diameter. Then, an anti-reflection coating is applied to the outer surface. The second method employs an air gap between the two plates, which are mounted on opposite sides of a spacer and then placed within a cell. It should be noted that when using achromatic waveplates constructed with an airgap, limiting (attenuating) laser power is highly recommended, especially for pulsed lasers.
Read more in our Blog