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GoPhotonics is showcasing a range of advanced Waveplates designed for precise polarization control in laser systems, spectroscopy, imaging, nonlinear optics, and scientific research. The featured solutions include liquid crystal variable retarders, polymer waveplates, crystalline quartz waveplates, and dual-wavelength waveplates optimized for applications across the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and infrared spectral regions.
Compact Variable Retardance for OEM Integration
The LVT-100 from Meadowlark Optics is an OEM liquid crystal variable retarder that operates from 450 nm to 1800 nm. It provides a retardance range from -30 nm to λ/2 and features a beam deviation of 3 arc minutes. The device offers a 12.5 mm clear aperture within a compact 25.4 mm diameter package and is designed for space-constrained systems. Unmounted versions with flying leads or custom connectors are also available, making it well suited for OEM and embedded photonics applications.
High-Precision Polymer Waveplate for 1064 nm Lasers
The 49-216 Polymer Waveplate from Edmund Optics is designed for operation at 1064 nm and delivers λ/2 retardance with a tolerance of λ/350. Built using a polymer film on an N-BK7 substrate, it features low reflection of 0.5%, beam deviation of 1 arc minute, and transmitted wavefront performance of up to λ/5. The waveplate also offers a damage threshold of 500 W/cm² and complies with RoHS 2015 and REACH 241 standards, making it suitable for demanding industrial and laboratory environments.
Zero-Order Quartz Waveplate for High-Power Laser Systems
The QWP-AS-ZO-1030-25.4 from OPTOMAN is a crystalline quartz quarter-wave plate optimized for 1030 nm laser applications. The air-spaced zero-order design provides λ/4 retardance with a tolerance of ±λ/300 and beam deviation below 10 arc seconds. Featuring an anti-reflection coating with only 0.2% reflection and a laser-induced damage threshold exceeding 20 J/cm², the waveplate is ideal for ultrafast and high-energy laser systems. It also delivers transmitted wavefront quality of up to λ/10 and is supplied in a black anodized metal mount.
Dual-Wavelength Performance for Harmonic Generation Applications
The PO-TWP-DW-4/2-25-UVIR from ALPHALAS is a dual-wavelength waveplate covering an exceptionally broad spectral range from 150 nm to 6000 nm. It combines quarter-wave and half-wave retardance capabilities while maintaining true zero-order performance at both the fundamental and second-harmonic wavelengths. With a 24 mm clear aperture and 100 nm bandwidth, the waveplate is particularly suited for frequency tripling, femtosecond third-harmonic generation, and differential polarization rotation applications.
Zero-Order Quartz Waveplate for UV Laser Applications
The WPQ-2660-2M from OptoSigma Corporation is a zero-order quartz half-wave plate designed for operation at 266 nm. Constructed from crystalline quartz, the waveplate provides λ/2 retardance with a retardance tolerance of less than λ/50 and a theoretical retardation of 133 nm. It features a 17 x 17 mm clear aperture, surface flatness of λ/10, and beam deviation below 5 arcseconds, enabling precise polarization control in UV laser systems. The waveplate is coated with anti-reflection coatings on both sides and offers transmittance above 98.5%, while its 20-10 scratch-dig surface quality supports demanding scientific and industrial applications. As a zero-order design, it provides enhanced stability against temperature variations and is well suited for ultraviolet laser processing, spectroscopy, and polarization experiments.
Broadening Polarization-Control Capabilities
These advanced waveplates demonstrate the wide range of polarization-control technologies available to today's photonics engineers and researchers. By addressing requirements ranging from compact OEM integration and high-power laser processing to harmonic generation and precision optical measurement, these solutions support the continued advancement of next-generation photonics and laser systems.
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