#An Introduction to Large-Format Waveplates

[toweroptical]

An Introduction to Large-Format Waveplates

Optical waveplates are, essentially, birefringent crystals that modify the polarization state of a beam of light. They’re most commonly used by experts in the fields of aerospace, fiber optic communication, astronomy, biomedical engineering, and the semiconductor industry.

Waveplates—also known as optical retarders—are optical devices that offer various types and optical properties. Owing to the nature of your needs, you can opt for a waveplate at any wavelength.

What are large-format waveplates?

Produced with high-quality, durable, and laser quality crystal quartz, large-format waveplates come in handy for demanding applications. Ranging from 3mm to 4mm in thickness, these waveplates offer greater functionality for experts’ varied needs.

With a high laser damage threshold, large crystal quartz retarders offer retardation stability even under conditions of temperature change.

Large-format waveplates are ideal for use for applications where the beam’s position or size moves over large distances. The large, high-quality clear aperture allows greater amounts of light beams to be transmitted and, thus, allowing for more challenging capabilities.

The clear apertures, of about 34mm or 46mm, enable uniform retardance. Accuracy is a key requirement for many of the challenging industry applications that large-format waveplates are used for. Thus, these durable retarders are greatly advantageous for a wide range of customers.

With retardation of 1/2 and 1/4 Wave, the large-format optical waveplates offer a transformation in light polarization. With precision, dependence, and homogeneity, this product provides optimum performance.

Custom-made large-format waveplates

Depending on the nature of your application needs, custom waveplates can offer greater functionality and standardized results each time. For this purpose, custom designing your waveplates can be more beneficial.

Tower Optical, one of Florida’s leading precision optics manufacturer, has been providing custom solutions to their varied clients for over 40 years. The company’s dedication to cost-effective, viable optical solutions has earned them a stellar reputation—not just in Florida, but all over the world!

Tower Optical produces over 10,000 waveplates. From partial waveplates, holey waveplates, and cemented waveplates to air-spaced, zero order, and multiple order waveplates, they’ve got it all.

Their large-format waveplates are produced with laser quality crystal quartz and can be either mounted or unmounted. The standard wavelengths for 38.1mm and 50.8mm waveplates are 355, 532, 632.8, 800, and 1064. However, you can have a custom version of each waveplate manufactured for you as well.

The company has a variety of in-stock and built to order laser windows, beam expanders, optical filters, and other precision optics.

Send in your specifications and drawings to Tower Optical’s experts and they’ll provide you an accurate quotation to get started.