Waveplate is an optical device that alters the polarization state of a light wave traveling through it. A waveplate works by shifting the phase of the light wave between two perpendicular polarization components. A typical waveplate is simply a birefringent crystal with a match chosen thickness. The crystal is cut so that the extraordinary axis is parallel to the surfaces of the plate. When the extraordinary index is smaller than the ordinary index, as in calcite, the extraordinary axis is called the fast axis and the ordinary axis is called the slow axis. Light polarized along the fast axis propagates faster than light polarized along the slow axis. Thus, depending on the thickness of the crystal, light with polarization components along both axes will emerge in a different polarization state.

Low(multiple) order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction. This result in a single, physically robust component with desired performance. However, even small changed in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance. They are less expensive and find use in many applications where the increased sensitivities are not important.

Zero order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of zero full waves, plus the desired fraction. Zero order waveplate shows better performances than multiple order waveplates, it has broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes. Various types of zero-order waveplates are available, including optical glue zero-order waveplates, air spaced zero-order waveplates, and glued zero-order waveplates.

True Zero Order Waveplate has two types are available, which are monolithic true zero-order wave plates and glued true zero-order wave plates. The required wave plates can be customized according to customer needs.

Monolithic true zero-order waveplate: it is processed by a monolithic quartz crystal and has high delay accuracy. Compared with ordinary zero-order wave plates, its performance is more stable, and it is very little affected by temperature and materials. Commonly used in some high-precision occasions, such as optical communication, scientific research and other fields; Glued true zero-order wave plate: it is made of a single quartz crystal and a fused silica substrate. Compared with a single-chip true zero-order wave plate, its physical strength will be greatly improved, and its performance is almost the same as that of a single-chip true zero-order wave plate.

Achromatic Waveplate provide a constant phase shift independent of the wavelength of light that is used. This wavelength independence is achieved by using two different crystalline materials to yield quarter- or half-wave retardation over a broad spectral range. The Retardation tolerance of our AWP is better than λ/100 over the entire wavelength range. The flat response of an achromatic waveplate is ideal for use with tunable lasers, multiple laser-line systems and other broad spectrum sources.

Standard Wavelength:460-650nm, 550-750nm, 650-1000nm,900-2100nm