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Low Order Waveplates

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Zero Order waveplates deliver precise retardation for narrowband applications by combining two birefringent crystal plates with crossed axes. This design ensures wavelength accuracy and minimal temperature sensitivity. For broader spectral requirements, our achromatic waveplates provide stable retardation across extended wavelength ranges. For single-line laser applications low-order waveplates are a cost efficient alternative.

Description

Low order waveplates are crafted from a single plate, where the path difference between the principal polarization axes corresponds to the specified fraction of the design wavelength plus an integer multiple. The integer is selected to achieve a mechanical thickness of 0.15–0.25 mm. Due to this construction, low order waveplates exhibit reduced sensitivity to angular variations, making them particularly well-suited applications where light is not ideally collimated. Please note that the spectral range is limited by manufacturable thickness constraints, especially in the UV range.

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We manufacture low order waveplates from crystalline quartz and from magnesium fluoride (MgF₂). Quartz waveplates can be used for most applications and they are supplied with antireflection coatings. MgF₂ waveplates by contrast, are mainly used in the mid-infrared spectral region where quartz is not transparent. In addition, MgF₂ does not exhibit optical activity, making it the material of choice for applications requiring the highest polarization purity. MgF₂ waveplates are supplied without antireflection coating.

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Low order waveplates are available with λ/2 or λ/4 retardation for a comprehensive selection of standard wavelengths, ensuring cost-effective pricing. We also manufacture custom low order waveplates tailored to non-standard wavelengths, offering competitive pricing.

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In addition to our standard stock we also offer custom accessories and tailored versions, as outlined in the product details section. All low order waveplates are housed in durable cylindrical mounts for easy integration and handling, but unmounted versions are also available as a custom option. All waveplate mounts can also be ordered customized with SM1 or SM2 outer threading.

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General specifications:

Material	Quartz	MgF₂
Spectral range	180-2700 nm	1125-7000 nm
Wavefront distortion	<λ/10	<λ/10
Prismatic deviation	<2''	<2''
Marked direction	Fast axis	Fast axis
Tolerance of the path difference	±3 nm	±3 nm
Reflectivity per surface	<0.1%	approx. 2.5%
Temperature coefficient α/R₀ (typ.)	0.1 nm/K	0.1 nm/K
Angular coefficient 𝛽 (typ.)	0.1 nm/deg²	0.2 nm/deg²
Thickness	0.15 – 0.25 mm	0.15 – 0.25 mm

The Retarder are exist from a single plate. The gangdifference between the main polarisation axis entspricht dem angegebenen Bruchteil der Designwellenlänge und ist ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches davon. The total zahly part is selected that is reached an mechanical thickness of 0,15-0.25 mm.

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Die Retarder werden in einem zylindrischen Halter geliefert.

Wir fertigen Retarder niedriger Ordnung aus kristallinem Quarz und aus MgF₂ Quarz is with abstand the most used material. The quarzverzögerer are default beidseitig antireflex coated.

Plates lower order of MgF ₂ sind hauptsächlich für Wellenlängen im mittleren Infrarot ausgewählt, bei denen Quarz nicht transparent ist. Im Gegensatz zu Quarz MgF₂ zeigt keine optische Aktivität. Es eignet sich also für einige Anwendungen mit sehr hohen Anforderungen an die Reinheit der Polarisation. Retarder from MgF₂ wurden ohne Antireflexbeschichtung geliefert.

We offer Retarder low order with a gangdifference of λ /2 or λ /4 for a number of standard wave long. Retarder, die nicht für standardmäßige Wellenlängen konzipiert sind, sind gemäß der Preisliste zu günstigen Preisen erhältlich.

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Optical specifications

material	quartz	MgF₂
spectral range	180-2700 nm	125-7000 nm
tolerance of the path difference	±3 nm	±3 nm
wavefront distortion	<λ/10	<λ/10
marked direction	fast axis	fast axis
reflectivity	<0,1%	ca. 2,5%
temperature coefficient^* a (typ.)	-0,1 nm/K	-0,1 nm/K
angular coefficient^* b (typ.)	0,1 nm/deg²	0,2 nm/deg²

Standard dimensions

format		10 mm	15 mm	20 mm	25 mm
free aperture	[mm]	9,5	14,5	19,5	24,5
mount diameter	[mm]	25	25	30	40
mount length	[mm]	10	10	15	15
Art. No. quartz λ/2		RLQ 2.10	RLQ 2.15	RLQ 2.20	RLQ 2.25
Art. No. quartz λ/4		RLQ 4.10	RLQ 4.15	RLQ 4.20	RLQ 4.25
Art. No. MgF₂ λ/2		RLM 2.10	RLM 2.15	RLM 2.20	RLM 2.25
Art. No. MgF₂ λ/4		RLM 4.10	RLM 4.15	RLM 4.20	RLM 4.25

* Definition

adaptor for mount diameters 30 mm and 40 mm	adaptor ring mount
connection with Thorlabs SM1 or SM2 thread	on request
other sizes (up to 100 mm)	on request
other path differences (e.g. λ/8 plates)	on request
retarders for 2 wavelengths	on request
unmounted plates	on request
antireflection coating for MgF₂ plates	on request
higher accuracy of path difference	on request

Low Order Waveplates

Description

B. Halle Nachfl. GmbH

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