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Description

Tempotec produces custom waveplates for precise polarization control from 240 to 2100 nm. The range covers low-order and zero-order crystal quartz waveplates, achromatic waveplates (quartz + MgF2), dual-wavelength waveplates for frequency-doubled lasers, and low-cost polycarbonate film waveplates. Retardation tolerance down to λ/500 and wavefront distortion down to λ/10 suit precision laser and metrology work.

NOTE - Price range is for reference only, final quotation subject to actual specifications & quantity.

Custom Waveplates: Zero-Order, Achromatic & Dual-Wavelength – Tempotec

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Specifications

Waveplate Type (Retardation Order): Zero Order, Multiple Order, Achromatic
Material: Quartz, Crystalline Quartz, MgF2, Quartz and MgF2, Fused Silica, UV Grade Fused Silica (UVFS), IR Grade Fused Silica (IRFS), N-BK7, Polymer
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Shape: Round, Square, Rectangle, Custom
Size (Largest Dimension): Not Specified
Design Wavelength: Not Specified
Surface Quality (Scratch-Dig): 10-5, 20-10, 40-20, 60-40, 80-50
Retardation: Lambda/2, Lambda/4
Retardation Tolerance: +/- Lambda/500
Transmitted Wavefront Distortion (TWD): <= Lambda/10
Polycarbonate Waveplate Diameter Tolerance: up to ±0.05 mm
Polycarbonate Waveplate Retardation Options: λ/4, λ/2, λ (typical)
Polycarbonate Waveplate Wavelength Range 1: 400–700 nm
Polycarbonate Waveplate Wavelength Range 2: 700–1100 nm
Substrate Wavelength Range - Fused Silica: 185 nm – 2.1 μm
Substrate Material - Fused Silica: JGS1 / Corning 7980 / Heraeus
Substrate Wavelength Range - Optical Glass: 350 nm – 2.0 μm
Substrate Material - Optical Glass: CDGM / SCHOTT / OHARA
Substrate Wavelength Range - Sapphire: 0.15 – 5.0 μm
Substrate Wavelength Range - MgF2: 0.12 – 6.0 μm
Substrate Wavelength Range - CaF2: 0.18 – 8.0 μm

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • Low-order quartz waveplates: λ/8, λ/4, λ/2 or λ retardation, tolerance down to λ/500, 240–2100 nm
  • Optically contacted zero-order (true zero-order) waveplates with excellent temperature stability
  • Achromatic waveplates (quartz + MgF2) with near-constant retardation over a broad band
  • Dual-wavelength waveplates, e.g. λ/2 @ 532 nm + λ/4 @ 1064 nm, or λ/2 @ 532 nm + λ @ 355 nm
  • Polycarbonate waveplates: λ/4, λ/2 or λ for 400–700 nm and 700–1100 nm
  • Diameter tolerance down to ±0.05 mm; wavefront distortion down to λ/10 @ 632.8 nm
  • Surface quality up to 10-5 scratch-dig; AR coated

Applications

  • Rotating linear polarization (half-wave plates)
  • Converting linear to circular polarization (quarter-wave plates)
  • Laser power control with a polarizer
  • Harmonic generation and frequency-doubled lasers (dual-wavelength plates)
  • Broadband and tunable lasers, ultrafast optics (achromatic plates)
  • Optical isolators, polarimetry and display testing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between low-order and zero-order waveplates?
Zero-order waveplates are far less sensitive to temperature and wavelength changes. Low-order plates cost less and suit stable, single-wavelength setups.
When do I need an achromatic waveplate?
When you work over a broad band or tune the wavelength. Quartz + MgF2 achromats keep the retardation nearly constant across the band.
What is a dual-wavelength waveplate?
A plate giving set retardations at two wavelengths, such as λ/2 at 532 nm and λ/4 at 1064 nm, used in frequency-doubled laser systems.
How accurate is the retardation?
Retardation tolerance is down to λ/500 for crystal quartz waveplates.
When is a polycarbonate waveplate a good choice?
For low-power visible or NIR uses where cost and large apertures matter more than precision, in the 400–700 nm or 700–1100 nm bands.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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