A waveplate or retarder is an optical device that alters the polarization state of a light wave traveling through it. Two common types of waveplates are the half-wave plate, which shifts the polarization direction of linearly polarized light, and the quarter-wave plate, which converts linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light and vice versa.
PSG offers a multitude of varieties and configurations including, Multiple-Order, Zero-Order, Dual-Wavelength, Ultra-Thin, and Low-order wave plates.
Standard Specifications
| Thickness Range | Varies on product |
| Transmitted Wavefront Distortion | λ/10 @ 632.8nm over CA |
| Surface Quality | 10-5 over CA |
| Parallelism | 0.5 arc seconds |
| Clear Aperture (CA) | ≥ 85% of Central Dimension |
| Retardation Tolerance | λ/100 – λ/600 typical – W/L Dependent |
| Damage Threshold | 1MW / cm² (CW), 10J cm² 10ns Pulse |
| Material | Synthetic Single Crystal Quartz |
| Coating | AR “V” Coat; R<0.25% per surface. BBAR Coat: R avg ≤0.50% per surface |
Waveplates can be ordered as mounted or unmounted components.