Which Waveplates for Which Application

The components can be divided into the following groups: multiple order, low order, zero order, and achromatic waveplates. The main difference between each of these components is the bandwidth. Multiple order waveplates consist of a single quartz plate that typically has a thickness of 0.4-0.8 mm. The applicable spectral bandwidth is approximately 0.5% of the central wavelength. Low order waveplates are only 0.10-0.25 mm thick. This results in a change in the bandwidth, which is approximately 1.5% of the central wavelength. Zero order waveplates consist of two multiple order waveplates of different thicknesses that are aligned rotated to each other. The difference in the thickness of the plates is exactly l/2 and l/4. This makes it possible to achieve a spectral bandwidth of approximately ±5% of the central wavelength.

If an even higher bandwidth is required, achromatic waveplates can be used. These waveplates feature a constant phase shift across a very large wavelength range. This is achieved by combining different birefringent materials. We currently offer these types of waveplates for the wavelength ranges from 450-650 nm, 550-750 nm, and 650-1100 nm. Our design consists of very thin plates and materials with particularly low dependency on the wavelength. This design allows a low dispersion of the group velocity to be achieved, which is crucial for applications with fs lasers. Moreover, the wide and flat curve of the phase shift is ideal for applications with broadband laser sources. 

Further product information:
Achromatic Waveplates