Waveplates

Quartz or MgF2 Waveplates for Solid-State Lasers

Quartz or MgF2 Waveplates for Solid-State Lasers

Welcome to the world of precision optics with LaserOptics, where cutting-edge technology meets exceptional quality. Our waveplates are meticulously crafted to meet the high standards required for solid-state laser ...

Sold by: CRYSTECH Inc. Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz and MgF2, MgF2, Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round
Size: 10 mm
Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings (LCPG) and Lenses (LCPL)

Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings (LCPG) and Lenses (LCPL)

Meadowlark Optics’ Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings utilize spatially varying birefringence to create highly efficient polarization-sensitive gratings. Circularly polarized light can be directed into ...

Sold by: Meadowlark Optics Inc Ships from: United States
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Liquid Crystal
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Meadowlark Optics Ultra-Thin Waveplates

Meadowlark Optics Ultra-Thin Waveplates

Meadowlark Optics is pleased to present our Ultra-Thin Waveplates. Our proprietary polymer provides high retardance accuracy in a cost-effective product which can be provided in almost any configuration and ...

Sold by: Meadowlark Optics Inc Ships from: United States
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Polymer, Custom
Mounting: Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders (LVR), Attenuators (LVA), and Rotators (LPR)

Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders (LVR), Attenuators (LVA), and Rotators (LPR)

LVR: These products all use nematic liquid crystal materials to electrically control polarization. Meadowlark Optics standard liquid crystal products provide tunable retardation by changing the effective ...

Sold by: Meadowlark Optics Inc Ships from: United States
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Liquid Crystal
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.5 mm
Meadowlark Optics Precision Waveplate

Meadowlark Optics Precision Waveplate

Meadowlark Optics specializes in precision polymer retarders for the visible to near infrared region. Our Precision Retarders have the highest optical quality and tightest retardance tolerance of all polymer ...

Sold by: Meadowlark Optics Inc Ships from: United States
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Polymer, N-BK7
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Custom Optical Waveplates for Phase Retardation and Polarization Control

Custom Optical Waveplates for Phase Retardation and Polarization Control

Sinoptix offers high-precision custom optical waveplates, ideal for applications requiring phase retardation and polarization modification. Manufactured from premium materials such as N-BK7, HK9L, or quartz ...

Sold by: Sinoptix Ships from: Belgium
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order, Multiple Order
Material: Quartz, N-BK7
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: Not Specified
Zero Order Waveplates - True Zero Order (TZO) and Effective Zero Order (ZO) - Alien Photonics

Zero Order Waveplates - True Zero Order (TZO) and Effective Zero Order (ZO) - Alien Photonics

Zero Order Waveplates. Half and quarter single-plate waveplates rotate or convert polarization.  True Zero Order (ZO) Waveplate is single plate (if too thin can be bonded or glued to base) of true ...

Sold by: Alien Photonics Ships from: Lithuania
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz and MgF2, MgF2, Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Custom
Size: 7 mm
Zero Order Waveplate 10mm-Z-L/4-248nm

Zero Order Waveplate 10mm-Z-L/4-248nm

Tower Optical's 10mm Zero Order Waveplates are meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional performance in optical applications. These waveplates are constructed using high-quality Crystal Quartz, ensuring a clear ...

Sold by: Tower Optical Corporation Ships from: United States
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round
Size: 10 mm
Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator

Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator

The Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator is a highly useful optical component that effectively and achromatically rotates the polarization of light. It uses Liquid Crystal twisted nematic technology to rotate the ...

Sold by: ARCoptix S.A. Ships from: Switzerland
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Achromatic
Material: Liquid Crystal
Mounting: Mounted
Shape: Round
Size: 22 mm
Single Plate High Power Waveplate

Single Plate High Power Waveplate

Union Optic can offer single plate high power waveplate now, due to our unique technology, we can make thickness down to 20 microns. Thanks to her high damage threshold, single plate high power waveplate is normally ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Crystal Quartz Half and Quarter Waveplates for Polarization Control

Crystal Quartz Half and Quarter Waveplates for Polarization Control

Waveplate is an optic in which the polished faces contain the optical axis. All light incidents normal to the surface are composed of components polarized parallel and perpendicular to the axis. In such a device, ...

Sold by: Photonchina Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order, Multiple Order, Achromatic
Material: Quartz and MgF2, MgF2, Quartz, Polymer, Mica, N-BK7, Custom, Not Specified
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Retardation: Lambda/2, Lambda/4, Lambda, Other, Not Specified
Photonchina Quartz Waveplates: Half and Quarter Wave Retarders

Photonchina Quartz Waveplates: Half and Quarter Wave Retarders

Photonchina presents its expertly crafted waveplates, a crucial optical component designed to manipulate the polarization state of light without any attenuation, deviation, or displacement of the beam. These ...

Sold by: Photonchina Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order, Multiple Order, Achromatic
Material: Quartz and MgF2, MgF2, Quartz, N-BK7, Custom
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 1 mm
High-Precision Quartz Waveplates for Polarization Control

High-Precision Quartz Waveplates for Polarization Control

Photonchina specializes in the production of high-quality waveplates, essential optical components that transform the polarization state of light. These precision-crafted optics exhibit polished surfaces that ...

Sold by: Photonchina Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order, Multiple Order, Achromatic
Material: Quartz and MgF2, MgF2, Quartz, N-BK7, Custom
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 1 mm
Zero Order Waveplate

Zero Order Waveplate

A waveplate or retarder is an optical device that alters the polarization state of a light wave travelling through it. Two common types of waveplates are the half wave plate and the quater wave waveplate. Waveplates ...

Sold by: BoJen Optics, Inc. Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted
Shape: Custom
Size: 12.7 mm
Low Order Waveplate

Low Order Waveplate

Experience unparalleled precision and reliability with our expertly crafted quartz waveplates. Designed for advanced optical applications, these waveplates are meticulously manufactured to ensure exceptional ...

Sold by: BoJen Optics, Inc. Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Multiple Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted
Shape: Custom
Size: 12.7 mm
Middle Infrared Zero Order Waveplate

Middle Infrared Zero Order Waveplate

Middle Infrared zero order waveplate is constructed by two Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) plates with their fast axis crossed, the two plates are constructed by optically contacted method, the optical path is epoxy free. ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: MgF2
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Telecom Waveplate

Telecom Waveplate

Compared with cemented true zero order waveplate, telecom waveplate is only one quartz plate, it is mainly used in fiber communication. Telecom waveplates are thin & compact waveplates specifically designed to ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Dual Wavelength Waveplate

Dual Wavelength Waveplate

This waveplate is a special kind of multi order waveplate. Dual wavelength waveplate is designed to be used in dual wavelength setups, for example, it can be operated as a quarter waveplate @1064nm and as a half ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Multiple Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Multi Order Waveplate

Multi Order Waveplate

Multiple order waveplate means the retardance of a light path will undergo a certain number of full wavelength shifts in addition to the fractional design retardance. The thickness of multi order waveplate is always ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Multiple Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
True Zero Order Waveplate

True Zero Order Waveplate

The thickness of a true zero order quartz plate is very thin, it is very easily damaged. In order to solve this problem, we can cement the thin quartz plate on a BK7 substrate to increase the strength. Standard ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm
Air Spaced Zero Order Waveplate

Air Spaced Zero Order Waveplate

Air spaced zero order waveplate is constructed by two quartz plates installed in a mount, to form a air gap between the two quartz plates. The difference in thickness between the two plates determines the ...

Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Waveplate Type: Zero Order
Material: Quartz
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size: 25.4 mm

Did You Know?

A wave plate (retarder or phase shifter) is an optical element which changes the polarization of the light wave that passes through. Wave plates work by shifting the phase between two perpendicular polarization components of the light wave. A common configuration of a wave plate is a plane-parallel substrate of birefringent crystal, typically quartz, mica, or magnesium fluoride. Wave plates come in configured for different retardations such as a quarter, half or full wave. A quarter wave plate changes linear polarization to circular, while a half wave plate changes the handedness of the circular polarization. By using different combinations it is possible to isolate one or two wavelengths simultaneously, eliminate or compensate for ellipticity and even rotate one wavelength relative to another. The utility of wave plates depends upon a number of factors such as operating temperature range, wavelength bandwidth, damage threshold, etc.

Understanding Waveplates: A Key Component in Polarization Control

Waveplates, also known as retarders, are essential optical components widely used to manipulate the polarization state of light in scientific, industrial, and laser-based applications. These precision optics are commonly found in systems involving polarization-sensitive measurements, interferometry, microscopy, telecommunications, and laser material processing.

What Are Waveplates?

Waveplates are birefringent optical devices that introduce a phase shift between the orthogonal polarization components of incident light. This is achieved by exploiting the birefringence of certain crystalline materials—such as quartz, calcite, or magnesium fluoride—which have different refractive indices along different optical axes. As a result, the light polarized along one axis travels at a different speed compared to the light polarized along the perpendicular axis, creating a controlled phase delay.

The most common types of waveplates are:

  • Quarter-Wave Plates (λ/4): Convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light and vice versa.

  • Half-Wave Plates (λ/2): Rotate the plane of linearly polarized light to a desired angle.

Applications of Waveplates

Waveplates are indispensable in many optical systems where precise polarization control is required:

  • Laser Systems: Half-wave plates are used to rotate the polarization of laser beams, optimizing interactions with other polarization-sensitive components like polarizing beamsplitters or nonlinear crystals.

  • Optical Instrumentation: Quarter-wave plates are often used in spectroscopic and ellipsometric systems to analyze the polarization state of light.

  • Microscopy: Circular polarization can enhance contrast and resolution, particularly in techniques like differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy.

  • Telecommunications: In fiber-optic systems, waveplates are employed to mitigate polarization mode dispersion and manage signal integrity.

  • Quantum Optics: Precise polarization manipulation is critical for encoding and decoding quantum information in photonic qubits.

Types and Configurations

Waveplates are available in various configurations depending on the application:

  • Zero-Order Waveplates: Provide high accuracy and thermal stability by minimizing the optical path difference. These are typically made by cementing two quartz plates with orthogonal optical axes.

  • Multiple-Order Waveplates: Thicker and less expensive, but more sensitive to wavelength and temperature variations.

  • Achromatic Waveplates: Designed to offer consistent retardance over a wide wavelength range, ideal for broadband applications.

Additionally, waveplates come in various mounting styles—such as unmounted optics for OEM integration, or mounted and rotatable designs for laboratory setups.

Choosing the Right Waveplate

Selecting the right waveplate depends on several factors including operating wavelength, beam size, required retardance accuracy, and environmental conditions. For laser applications, it is crucial to consider damage threshold, coating type (e.g., AR coatings), and optical flatness.

At FindLight, you can explore a wide range of high-quality waveplates from leading manufacturers. Whether you’re working on a precision optical bench or developing an advanced laser system, the right waveplate can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of your setup.