Polarization Optics

Wollaston Polarizers

Union Optic

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Wide Wavelength RangeLow Power ApplicationBroadband high extinction ratioRoHS Compliant

Specifications
Material:	Calcite, YVO4, Other
Wavelength Range:	400 – 4000 nm
Max Extinction Ratio:	>= 10,000:1
Transmitted Wavefront Error:	<= Lambda/4
Surface Quality (Scratch-Dig):	20-10

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Wollaston Polarizer - a-BBO Calcite YVO4 Quartz Options

Photonchina

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Experience the precision and quality of Photonchina's Wollaston Polarizers, designed to meet the diverse needs of optical applications. These polarizers are expertly crafted to separate an incident beam into two distinct rays: the extraordinary and ordinary rays, with a deviation angle that varies depending on the wavelength. This ...

Specifications
Material:	Calcite, Custom, YVO4, a-BBO
Wavelength Range:	190 – 5000 nm
Max Extinction Ratio:	>= 100:1, >= 1,000:1, >= 10,000:1, >= 100,000:1
Transmitted Wavefront Error:	<= Lambda/20, <= Lambda/4, <= Lambda/6, <= Lambda/10
Surface Quality (Scratch-Dig):	60-40, 40-20, 20-10, 10-5

Data Sheet

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Wollaston Polarizers: Precision Beam Separation for Advanced Optical Applications

Wollaston polarizers are specialized optical components designed to split an incoming light beam into two orthogonally polarized beams, each deviating at a specific angle. Invented by William Hyde Wollaston, these polarizers are widely used in applications requiring precise polarization control and beam separation.

Design and Functionality

A Wollaston polarizer consists of two birefringent prisms, typically made from materials like calcite, quartz, α-BBO, or YVO₄, cemented together with their optical axes oriented perpendicularly. When unpolarized light enters the polarizer, it is split into two linearly polarized beams: the ordinary and extraordinary rays. These beams emerge from the polarizer at equal but opposite angles relative to the original beam path, with the divergence angle determined by the material properties and the prism's wedge angle.

Key Features

High Polarization Purity: Wollaston polarizers offer excellent extinction ratios, often exceeding 100,000:1, ensuring high-quality polarization separation.
Wide Separation Angles: Depending on the material and design, the divergence angle between the two output beams can range from a few degrees to over 20°, providing flexibility for various applications.
Broad Spectral Range: These polarizers operate effectively across a wide wavelength spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared, making them suitable for diverse optical systems.
Low Wavefront Distortion: The precision manufacturing of Wollaston polarizers ensures minimal wavefront distortion, preserving beam quality.

Applications

Wollaston polarizers are employed in a variety of optical applications, including:

Polarization Microscopy: Enhancing contrast and revealing structural details in birefringent materials.
Spectroscopy: Analyzing material properties by examining polarization-dependent absorption or emission.
Laser Systems: Managing and manipulating the polarization state of laser beams for various experimental setups.
Interferometry: Generating interference patterns by combining beams with orthogonal polarizations.
Optical Communication: Controlling and analyzing polarization states in fiber-optic systems.

Selection Considerations

When choosing a Wollaston polarizer, consider the following factors:

Material Compatibility: Select a material that aligns with your application's wavelength requirements.
Separation Angle: Ensure the divergence angle suits your system's spatial constraints and detection capabilities.
Extinction Ratio: Choose a polarizer that meets the polarization purity necessary for your application.
Physical Dimensions: Match the polarizer's size and aperture to your optical setup.

At FindLight, we offer a curated selection of Wollaston polarizers from leading manufacturers, suitable for various optical applications. Explore our catalog to find the ideal polarizer that meets your specific requirements.

Did You know?

A Wollaston Polarizer is birefringent polarizer consisting of two triangular calcite prisms with orthogonal crystal axes that are cemented together generally with Canada balsam. Wollaston polarizer is designed to separate unpolarised light beam into two orthogonally polarized ordinary and extraordinary components which are symmetrically deflected from axis of initial propagation. The resulting beams are of orthogonal linear polarization states and have equal intensity and a large angular deviation. This kind of performance is attractive for laboratory experiments as both – ordinary and extraordinary beams are accessible. Wollaston polarizers are used in spectrometers also can be used as polarization analysers or beam splitters in optical setups. Users have access to both the ordinary and extraordinary rays, making them ideal for laboratory experiments.