Polarizers

PRINCIPLES OF RETARDERS

R etarders are used in applications where control or

analysis of polarization states is required. Our retarder
products include innovative polymer and liquid crystal
materials. Crystalline materials such as quartz and

Retarders
magnesium fluoride are also available upon request.
Please call for a custom quote.
A retarder (or waveplate) is an optical device that
resolves a light wave into two orthogonal linear
polarization components and produces a phase shift
between them. The resulting light wave is generally of a
different polarization form. Ideally, retarders do not
polarize, nor do they induce an intensity change in the

Crystals
light beam, they simply change its polarization form.

Liquid
state. The transmitted light leaves the retarder elliptically
All standard catalog Meadowlark Optics’ retarders are polarized.
made from birefringent, uniaxial materials having two Retardance (in waves) is given by:
different refractive indices – the extraordinary index ne
and the ordinary index no.  = t
Light traveling through a retarder has a velocity v where:
dependent upon its polarization direction given by  = birefringence (ne - no)

Spatial Light
 = wavelength of incident light (in nanometers)

Modulators
v = c/n
t = thickness of birefringent element
where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and n is the (in nanometers)
refractive index parallel to that polarization direction.
By definition, ne > no for a positive uniaxial material. Retardance can also be expressed in units of length, the
distance that one polarization component is delayed
For a positive uniaxial material, the extraordinary axis relative to the other. Retardance is then represented by:
is referred to as the slow axis, while the ordinary axis is
referred to as the fast axis. Light polarized parallel to the  =  = t
fast axis travels at a higher velocity than light parallel to where  is the retardance (in nanometers).

Polarimeters
the orthogonal slow axis.
The above equations illustrate that retardance is strongly
In figure 3-1, a plane polarized light wave incident on a dependent upon both incident wavelength and retarder
birefringent material is vectorially decomposed into two thickness.
orthogonal components vibrating along the fast and slow
All retarders suffer small retardance oscillations as a
axes. Plane polarized light is oriented at 45° relative to
function of wavelength when a coherent light source is
the fast axis of the retarder. The orthogonal polarization
used. This etalon effect can be substantial, depending upon
components travel through the material with different
the physical characteristics of the retarder. Please see
velocities (due to birefringence) and are phase shifted
references 1, 5, and 6 listed on page 3 for more information.
relative to each other producing a modified polarization
Mounts

fast 45˚ fast

axis axis

Input Output
polarization polarization
Custom

Phase shift through retarder

Fig. 3-1 The effect of a retarder of arbitrary phase on a plane-polarized input beam

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 Polarizers
PRINCIPLES OF RETARDERS
Retarder Types
Birefringence is common in materials with anisotropic
molecular order such as crystals (both solid and liquid)
and oriented polymers. Crystalline retarders are often
Retarders
made of mica, calcite, or most commonly, quartz.
Retarders can be multiple-order (having several waves of
retardance), compound zero-order, or true zero-order.
True zero-order retarders are often preferred for the most
demanding applications requiring retardance stability
with wavelength, temperature, and angle of incidence.
A true zero-order retarder is thin and must have a low
birefringence to be manufactured easily.
Crystals
Liquid
A review of several retarder types is presented below.
Quartz has a birefringence of ~0.0092 in the visible
region. From the equations shown on the previous page,
a true zero-order quartz quarter waveplate for 550 nm
operation is only 15 m thick. Such a thin, fragile
retarder presents handling difficulties in both fabrication
and mounting.
Spatial Light
Modulators
More commonly, multiple-order quartz retarders having a
whole number of waves plus the desired fractional
retardance (typically quarter- or half-wave) are offered.
Precision polishing of the quartz substrate provides
excellent surface and transmitted wavefront quality.
However, multiple-order retarders can be extremely
sensitive to incident angle, wavelength, and
temperature. As a rule of thumb, the retardance (in
Polarimeters
waves) for a 1 mm thick quartz retarder varies by about
-0.3% per °C. Quartz retarders are sometimes preferred
for their durability and high transmission properties.
A compound zero-order quartz retarder improves
performance by combining two multiple-order quartz
waveplates with the desired retardance difference. The
fast axis of one plate is aligned with the slow axis of the
other, cancelling the large retardance values and leaving
only the desired fractional retardance difference
Mounts
(typically quarter- or half-wave). Thermal stability of
compound zero-order quartz retarders is improved as
temperature effects of the two retarders cancel.
Note that a compound zero-order quartz retarder
does not provide for improved field of view over a
multiple-order retarder.
Custom
Page 21 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335
Mica, a natural mineral, is cleaved to precise thicknesses
offering true zero-order retarders. However, cleaving is
difficult over large apertures and does not offer the
necessary tolerance or spatial uniformity required for most
applications. Also, the long term supply of optical quality
mica is uncertain.
Polymer materials offer a lower birefringence than quartz
and can therefore be made into true zero-order retarders
of reasonable thickness. They are much less sensitive to
incidence angle than either multiple- or compound zero-
order quartz retarders. Birefringence of the polymer we
use is nearly constant with wavelength, an advantage in
applications where the source wavelength may shift.
Meadowlark Optics protects the polymer material using
a proprietary lamination process between optically flat
windows. This assembly provides the transmitted
wavefront quality necessary for precision optical
applications.
Fabrication of achromatic polymer retarders is
accomplished by precisely orienting and layering several
polymer sheets. This stack is then laminated between
optical flats. Achromatic polymer retarders offer the
versatility needed for broadband applications with
demanding performance requirements.
Liquid crystal retarders are electrically variable
waveplates. Retardance is altered by applying a variable,
low voltage waveform. These retarders are made by
placing a thin liquid crystal layer between parallel
windows spaced a few microns apart. Different liquid
crystal materials range in birefringence from 0.07 to 0.26,
enabling fabrication of thin, true zero-order retarders in
the visible to near infrared region.
Fresnel Rhombs use total internal reflection to create
a phase shift between two orthogonal polarization
components. Fresnel rhombs make excellent achromatic
retarders. A more complete description of reflection
retarders can be found in the references listed on page 3.
Other tunable birefringent retarders use electro-optic
crystals such as KD*P (potassium dideuterium
phosphate). This material is used in Pockels cell
retarders which can operate at megahertz frequencies but
require very high voltage for retardance control.
• e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com
 Polarizers
POLARIZATION CONTROL WITH POLYMERS
0.70
Quartz

N aturally-occurring crystalline materials (calcite, mica, and 0.60

Retardance (waves)
tilt around Polymer
quartz) have traditionally been the birefringent materials slow axis

of choice for retarders. Today’s applications require performance 0.50

tilt around
versatility beyond the limitations of those crystals. fast axis

Retarders
0.40
Meadowlark Optics specializes in the use of birefringent
polymers and liquid crystals for polarization control in precision 0 10 20 30 40 50
optical applications. These innovative materials offer a unique Incidence Angle (degrees)

combination of high performance and cost-effectiveness. Fig. 3-3 Half-wave retarder performance with incidence angle

Birefringent Polymers The temperature sensitivity of laminated polymer retarders

Our polymer retarder assembly consists of birefringent polymer is about 0.04%/°C, allowing operation over moderate
material laminated between two precision polished, optically temperature ranges without significantly degrading
flat BK-7 windows. Antireflection coatings and index retardance accuracy. We can also thermally calibrate

matching optical cement help to maximize transmission in the
visible to near infrared region. This construction (shown in
figure 3-2) ensures excellent transmitted wavefront quality,
while minimizing beam deviation and surface reflection losses.
Input plane wave
➛
Crystals
Liquid
polymer retarders for specific operating temperatures.
Large aperture quartz retarders are difficult to fabricate and
become cost-prohibitive beyond two inches in diameter.
Meadowlark Optics’ polymer retarders with large apertures
can be fabricated for a reasonable price. Please call for a

custom quote.
➛

➛
➛

➛
➛

➛
➛
➛

Spatial Light
Modulators
0.300
Polymer BK 7 Zero-Order
retarder windows Polymer
Index 0.275
Retardance (waves)

matching
Achromatic
cement Polymer
0.250
➛

➛
➛

➛
➛

➛
➛

➛
➛
➛

Output plane wave 0.225

Multiple-Order
Quartz
Fig. 3-2 Polymer retarder assembly
0.80 0.90 1.00 1.10 1.20
Polymer retarders offer excellent angular Relative Wavelength (␭/␭c)

Polarimeters
ICATIO field-of-view since they are true zero-order Fig. 3-4 Wavelength performance of common quarter-wave retarders
PL
retarders. Figure 3-3 compares the change in
AP

retardance as a function of incidence angle

NO E
T for polymer and quartz retarders. A polymer Polywave Ultra Retarder
See application notes at
retarder changes by less than 1% over a PolyWave is a high birefringence polymer that allows for
www.meadowlark.com ±10° incidence angle. ultra-thin waveplates.
Retardance accuracy with wavelength change is often of key PolyWave has passed rigid environmental testing with
concern. For example, an off-the-shelf diode laser has a no change in retardance after many months of exposure
center wavelength tolerance of ±10 nm. Changes with to extreme conditions.
Mounts

temperature and drive conditions cause wavelength shifts

• Meadowlark has the capability to produce these
which may alter performance. Meadowlark Optics’ polymer
waveplates with edge dimensions of less than 1 mm.
retarders maintain excellent retarder performance even with
The edges can be cut to allow the retarder or
minor shifts in the source wavelength.
waveplate to be used to within 15 microns of the edge.
We also produce achromatic retarders with excellent retar-
• Due to the high birefringence of the PolyWave
dance accuracy over a very broad wavelength range. Basic
material, the total thickness of a 1550 nm halfwave
construction of achromatic retarders is the same as that for
retarder is only approximately 15 microns and a quarter
zero-order polymer retarders shown in figure 3-2.
Custom

wave retarder is approximately 8 microns thick.

A comparison of different retarder types and their
dependence on wavelength is shown in figure 3-4.

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 Polarizers
POLARIZATION MANIPULATION
A retarder (or waveplate) alters the polarization of light
in a manner that depends on the retardance and the
angle between the retarder fast axis and the input plane of
polarization. Examples of the most common waveplates
Retarders
follow.
Quarter-Wave Retarder
A quarter-wave retarder is used to convert light between
circular and linear polarization forms. It changes linearly
polarized light to circularly polarized light, when the
angle between the input polarization and the retarder
fast axis is 45°. In figure 3-5, linearly polarized light is
converted to right-hand circular polarized light by the
Crystals
Liquid
quarter-wave retarder. Upon exiting the quarter-wave
retarder, light polarized parallel to the slow axis is retarded
by /4 relative to light polarized along the fast axis. When
recombined, the exit light is circularly polarized.
Similarly, this retarder orientation will convert input left-
hand circular polarized light to vertical linearly polarized
light for a reversed direction of travel.
Spatial Light
Modulators
Isolator
A quarter-wave retarder is often combined with a linear
polarizer to form an optical isolator, used to eliminate
undesired reflections. A common application prevents
unwanted reflected light from re-entering a laser cavity.
Please see page 17 for a discussion of optical isolators.
Polarimeters
Right
Circular
Output
45°
Linearly
Polarized
Input
Retarder
fast axis
Fig. 3-5 A quarter-wave retarder converts linearly
Mounts
polarized light to circularly polarized light, or vice versa.
Custom
Page 23 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3
WITH RETARDERS

2
Linearly
Linearly
Polarized
Polarized Output
Input Retarder
fast axis
Fig. 3-6 A half-wave retarder rotates
linearly polarized light by 2.
Half-Wave Retarder
Half-wave retarders are sometimes called polarization
rotators. A half-wave retarder flips the polarization
direction of incoming light about the retarder fast axis.
When the angle between the retarder fast axis and the
input plane of polarization is 45°, horizontal polarized
light is converted to vertical. A half-wave retarder
rotates a linear polarized input by twice the angle
between the retarder fast axis and the input plane of
polarization, as shown in figure 3-6.
A half-wave retarder can be used to change the
handedness of a left-circular polarized beam to right-
circular polarized, or vice versa. A half-wave retarder is
also conveniently used to change the polarization
direction where mechanical rotation of a large laser
is impractical.
Full-Wave Retarder
Full-wave retarders are valuable components for
eliminating unwanted polarization changes in an optical
system. Many optical components, especially metal
mirrors, alter the polarization state by introducing
unwanted phase shifts. For example, a linearly polarized
input beam becomes elliptically polarized upon reflecting
off of a metal surface. Ellipticity can be accurately
corrected by using a full-wave retarder and tilting it
about either the fast or slow axis.
• Fax (303) 833-4335 • e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com
 Polarizers
POLARIZATION ANALYSIS EXAMPLE

General Analysis The light output S is calculated by:

Several methods exist for computing and analyzing the S = MS.
polarization states of an optical system. Two common
An Example
ways of evaluating a system involve Mueller and Jones

Retarders
calculus where the polarization of a light beam and the A simple analysis using a horizontal linearly polarized
effects of optical components on that polarization form beam incident on a quarter wave retarder is shown below.
are represented by simple means. Horizontal linearly polarized input light has a Stokes
In the general case, polarizing properties of an optical vector given by:
component are represented by a matrix. A vector
describes the polarization form of the incident beam. 1
Multiplying the matrix and vector, the resulting vector S= 1
represents the polarization characteristics of light that 0

Crystals
has propagated through the component.

Liquid
0
The Stokes vector S describes light polarization as:

The Mueller matrix representation for a quarter-wave

I retarder with its fast axis at 45
relative to the incoming
S= Q polarization is:
U
V

Spatial Light
Modulators
1 0 0 0
M= 0 0 0 -1
where: 0 0 1 0
I total light intensity, 0 1 0 0

Q intensity difference between horizontal and

vertical linearly polarized components, Multiplying the input Stokes vector S by the component
U intensity difference between linearly polarized Mueller matrix M results in:
components oriented at ±45
, and

Polarimeters
V intensity difference between right and left 1
circular components. S = 0
The Mueller matrix M for a waveplate with retardance  0
(in degrees) and arbitrary fast axis orientation  1
(measured from the horizontal) is expressed as:
This vector represents 100% right circular polarized light.
1 0 0 0 The references shown on page 3 provide detailed and
0 C22 + S22 cos  S2C2(1 - cos ) -S2 sin 
Mounts
comprehensive descriptions of polarization theory. Also,
M = 0 S2C2 (1 - cos ) S22 + C22 cos  C2 sin  our engineers are happy to help you with any questions
0 S2 sin  -C2 sin  cos  you may have regarding your application.

where:
C2 cos(2), and
S2 sin(2)
Custom

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 Polarizers

RETARDER SELECTION CHART

Retarder Selection accurate calibration measurements for every retarder

When selecting a retarder, key performance features we ship.
must be considered. These features include wavelength Meadowlark Optics engineers are happy to assist you in
dependence, temperature sensitivity, acceptance angle, the process of selecting a retarder.
Retarders

response time, and aperture size. Our Retarder Selection
Chart provides an at-a-glance review of standard
retarders.
Meadowlark Optics is a leader in retarder metrology
among commercial companies. Our proprietary
measurement techniques provide you with extremely
• Polymer retarders offer much better field-of-view than
either multiple-order or compound zero-order quartz
retarders (see figure 3-3).
• Large clear apertures are affordable using polymer
retarders.

Retarder Type Page Product Features Wavelength Range (nm)

Crystals
Liquid

500 1000 1500

Precision 28-29 • highest quality offered

• insensitive to small wavelength variations
• alternate wavelengths available
• nonstandard retardances with
fast delivery
Spatial Light
Modulators

• custom large clear apertures

• integrate with rotary mounts

Commercial 30 • most economical retarder

• insensitive to small wavelength variations
• unmounted and mounted versions available
• conveniently fit standard rotary mounts
Polarimeters

Achromatic 31-32 • superior broadband operation

• all the advantages of single line
polymer retarders
• tight retardance tolerance
• custom wavelength ranges
• housings aid in handling and mounting

Liquid Crystal 37-39 • unmatched versatility

Mounts

Variable • electrically controlled retardance

• low voltage operation
• real-time response
• custom retardance ranges available
• standard housings assist in handling
and set up
ranges shown limited to
• complete systems available standard BBAR coatings only
Custom

stock wavelengths custom regions

Page 25 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335 • e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com

 Polarizers
RETARDER SELECTION CHART

• Polymer retarders are less sensitive to wavelength • Liquid Crystal retarders offer real-time, continuous
change than multiple-order quartz retarders (see control of retardance with no moving parts.
figure 3-4). • We offer polymer and liquid crystal retarders in
• By design, our achromatic retarders offer much lower nonstandard sizes and for custom wavelengths and

Retarders
retardance variation with wavelength than any other retarder values.
birefringent retarder (see figure 3-4). • Multiple-order quartz retarders are preferred for high
• Zero-order polymer retarders are lower in cost than power laser applications and can be designed for dual-
compound zero-order quartz retarders. wavelength operation.

Transmitted Relative
Retardance Reflectance Beam Wavefront Angular Clear Cost
Tolerance Deviation Distortion Acceptance* Aperture Comparison

Crystals
Liquid
(per surface) (at 632.8 nm) (in.)

± /350 0.50% at normal 1 arc min /5 ±10° 0.40, 0.70 $$$
incidence at 1.20 standard
specified 

Large apertures

Spatial Light
Modulators
available

± /50 0.50% at normal 3 arc min 3/ in. ±10° 0.40, 0.70 $
incidence at 1.20 standard
specified  Large apertures
available

Polarimeters
± /100 0.50% at normal 1 arc min /4 ±5° 0.40, 0.70 $$$$
incidence at
specified 

tunable with 0.50% at normal 2 arc min /4 ±2° to 10° 0.37, 0.70 $$$$ Mounts
± /500 incidence at (dependent upon 1.60 standard
resolution specified  applied voltage)
Custom

*Angular acceptance determined by ± /350 retardance change (from nominal) using a collimated monochromatic source.

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 Polarizers

PRECISION RETARDERS

Meadowlark Optics has developed precision ellipsometric

techniques that measure retardance to /1000.
Our metrology for these measurements is the best in the
industry. You can have absolute confidence that the
Retarders

calibration measurements supplied with your retarder are of

the highest accuracy obtainable.
Standard quarter- and half-wave retarders are available,
mounted or unmounted. Custom retarders for any
wavelength from 400 to 1800 nm can be ordered.
0.300

0.275

Retardance (waves)
Crystals
Liquid

M eadowlark Optics specializes in precision polymer

retarders for the visible to near infrared region. Our
Precision Retarders have the highest optical quality and
0.250

0.225
tightest retardance tolerance of all polymer retarders.
These true zero-order Precision Retarders consist of a 0.90 0.95 1.00 1.05 1.10
birefringent polymer cemented between two precision Relative Wavelength (␭/␭c)

polished, optically flat BK-7 windows. The retarder fast Fig. 3-7 Quarter-wave Premium Retarder performance
Spatial Light

axis is conveniently marked for quick and easy reference.

Modulators

Precision Retarders are supplied with a broadband 0.600

antireflection coating. Optical transmittance of a

0.550
Precision Retarder is typically greater than 97%.
Retardance (waves)

The polymer materials used in all Meadowlark Optics 0.500

retarders have very low birefringence dispersion. That is,
0.450
birefringence is nearly constant with wavelength.
Consequently, the retardance  at a wavelength  that is
Polarimeters

different from the center wavelength c is given by: 0.90 0.95 1.00 1.05 1.10
Relative Wavelength (␭/␭c)
 = c(c / )
Fig. 3-8 Half-wave Premium Retarder performance
where c is the retardance at c. PL
ICATIO

AP

N
This relationship is very important when using sources PROBLEM
“My laser center wavelength
which vary in wavelength from their nominal value. can vary by a few nanometers, NO E
T
Figures 3-7 and 3-8 show the retardance behavior as a but I need my retarder to be a nearly perfect quarter-
function of relative wavelength for a quarter- and half- wave of retardance for each wavelength in order to give maximum
wave retarder, respectively. The Mueller calculus isolation. I’ll go broke if I have to purchase 10 retarders spaced at
0.5 nanometer intervals. Is there another way?”
Mounts

described on page 25 can be used to calculate the

transmitted polarization state based upon the retardance
differences from the ideal case.
Since polymer retarders are true zero-order devices,
they offer the significant advantage of improved angular
performance. You can expect less than 1% retardance
change over ±10° incidence angle.
Custom
0.5 nanometers exceeds even our tight
SOLUTION
tolerance on retardance! Try angle
tuning your retarder. A 10 degree tilt can change the
retardance by about l.25 nm or 0.002 waves of retardance at
633 nm. Remember to tilt about the fast or slow axes of your
retarder. They will likely be at ±45° to your optical bench.
See our application note about errors in retarders at
www.meadowlark.com.

Another solution is to use a liquid crystal variable retarder

(page 37).

Page 27 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335 • e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com

 Polarizers
PRECISION RETARDERS

K EY B ENEFITS O RDERING I NFORMATION

■ Better angular acceptance than compound zero- Diameter Clear Thickness /4 Wave /2 Wave
D (in.) Aperture(in.) t (in.) Part No. Part No.
order quartz waveplates
Mounted

Retarders
■ Less dispersion than quartz waveplates
1.00 0.40 0.23 NQM-050- NHM-050-
■ Less temperature dependence than quartz
waveplates 1.00 0.70 0.35 NQM-100- NHM-100-
■ Lower cost than compound zero-order quartz 2.00 1.20 0.50 NQM-200- NHM-200-
waveplates
Unmounted
■ Unequaled measurement accuracy 0.50 0.40 0.13 NQ-050- NH-050-
Our Precision Retarders have the highest optical quality and 1.00 0.80 0.25 NQ-100- NH-100-
tightest retardance tolerance of all our polymer retarders.

Crystals
Please specify your center wavelength  in nanometers when ordering.

S PECIFICATIONS
Retarder Material:
Substrate Material:
Standard Wavelengths:
Birefringent polymer
BK 7 Grade A, fine annealed
532, 632.8, 670, 780, 850, 1064,
Liquid
Please contact our sales department to obtain a price list
for our standard components.
Custom size retarders with improved transmitted
wavefront distortion and/or beam deviation are
available. Your requirements for custom shapes and sizes

Spatial Light
Modulators
and 1550 nm are also welcome. Please call for a quote.
Custom Wavelengths: 400-1800 nm Meadowlark Optics’ one and two inch diameter
(specify) retarders conveniently fit our Rotary Mounts.
Retardance: /4 and /2 Please refer to the Mounts section of our catalog
for more information. ICATIO
PL
≤ /350

AP
Retardance Accuracy:

N
Transmitted Wavefront PROBLEM “I purchased a compound zero- NO E
T
Distortion (at 632.8 nm): ≤ /5 order retarder for use in an imaging system where I need

Surface Quality:
Beam Deviation:
Reflectance (per surface):
Diameter Tolerance:
Mounted:
Unmounted:
Temperature Range:
C to +50
C Mounts
Recommended Safe
Operating Limit:
Polarimeters
≤ 40-20 scratch and dig a good field of view. Do these really have the field of view of a
true zero-order retarder?”
≤ 1 arc min
SOLUTION This is a common misconception. In
0.5% at normal incidence fact, compound zero-order retarders are twice as bad as the
multi-order retarders they are made from! If you need a
good field of view, you must use a true zero-order retarder.
±0.005 in.
See our application note on errors of retarders at
+0/-0.010 in.
www.meadowlark.com.
-20
500 W/cm2 CW
600 mJ/cm2 20 ns, visible
4 J/cm2 20 ns 1064 nm
Custom

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 Polarizers

COMMERCIAL RETARDERS
S PECIFICATIONS
Retarder Material: Birefringent polymer
Substrate Material: Commercial quality glass
Standard Wavelengths: 532, 632.8, 670, 780, 850, 1064,
Retarders

and 1550 nm
Custom Wavelengths: 400-1800 nm (specify)
Retardance: /4 and /2
Retardance Accuracy: ≤ /50
Transmitted Wavefront
Distortion (at 632.8 nm): ≤ 3
Surface Quality: ≤ 80-50 scratch and dig
Crystals

Beam Deviation: ≤ 3 arc min

Liquid

C ommercial Retarders are our most affordable line

of zero-order waveplates. They are suitable for
applications where transmitted wavefront quality is
Reflection (per surface):
Diameter Tolerance:
0.50% at normal incidence

not as critical. Mounted: ±0.005 in.

Unmounted: +0/-0.015 in.
These retarders use commercial quality glass windows
and are designed as a low-cost alternative to our Temperature Range: -20
C to +50
C
Precision Retarders described on pages 28-29. Basic Recommended Safe
Spatial Light
Modulators

construction is the same as described on page 23. Operating Limit: 500 W/cm2 CW
600 mJ/cm2 20 ns, visible
Both quarter- and half-wave retarders are available for 4J/cm2 20 ns, 1064
common wavelengths in the visible to near infrared
region. All Meadowlark Optics’ retarders have their fast
axis conveniently marked.
Custom retardance values are available from 400- O RDERING I NFORMATION
1800 nm. Please call to discuss your application and Diameter Clear /4 Wave /2 Wave
to request a quote. D (in.) Aperture (in.) Part No. Part No.
Polarimeters

Mounted
1.00 0.40 RQM-050- RHM-050-
K EY B ENEFITS 1.00 0.70 RQM-100- RHM-100-
■ Economical choice 2.00 1.20 RQM-200- RHM-200-
■ Excellent performance Unmounted
0.50 0.40 RQ-050- RH-050-
1.00 0.80 RQ-100- RH-100-
Mounts

Please specify your center wavelength  in nanometers when

ordering.
Meadowlark Optics one and two inch retarders
conveniently fit our Rotary Mounts. Please refer to the
Mounting section of our catalog for details.

Custom sizes of our Commercial Retarders are available.

Custom

Please call for a quote.

Please contact our sales department to obtain a price list for
our standard components.
Page 29 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335 • e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com
 Polarizers
PRECISION ACHROMATIC RETARDERS

K EY B ENEFITS
■ Broad spectral range
M eadowlark Optics’ Precision Achromatic Retarders
are designed to provide a nearly constant retardance
value over a broad wavelength region. Standard quarter-
■ Superior field of view and half-wave devices are available for common

Retarders
wavelength regions in the visible and near infrared.
Our Precision Achromatic Retarders consist of carefully
S PECIFICATIONS
aligned birefringent polymer sheets laminated between
Retarder Material: Birefringent polymer stack precision polished, optically flat BK-7 windows. Assembly is
Substrate Material: BK-7 Grade A, fine annealed quite similar to the assembly of our Precision Retarders.
Standard Wavelength (nm) Operating Range (nm) Optical transmittance varies slightly from the Precision
545 485 - 630 Retarder because several polymer layers are used in each
630 555 - 730 Achromatic Retarder.

Crystals
720 630 - 835

Liquid
We provide retardance accurate to /100 for all
840 735 - 985
wavelengths in the operating range. Achromatic retarders
1060 920 - 1240
1400 1200 - 1650
are an excellent choice for applications requiring broad
wavelength use.
Retardance: /4 and /2
Retardance Accuracy: ≤ /100
Transmitted Wavefront

Spatial Light
≤ /4

Modulators
Distortion (at 632.8 nm): 0.260
Surface Quality: ≤ 40-20 scratch and dig
Retardance (waves)

Beam Deviation: ≤ 1 arc min 0.250

Reflectance (per surface): 0.5% at normal incidence Recommended
Wavelength Range
Diameter Tolerance:
Mounted: ±0.005 in. 0.240
Unmounted: +0/-0.010 in.

Polarimeters
Temperature Range: -20 °C to +50 °C
Recommended Safe Operating Limit: 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.10 1.20
500 W/cm2 CW Relative Wavelength (␭/␭c)
300 mJ/cm2 10 ns, visible
Fig. 3-9 Quarter-wave Achromatic Retarder
500 mJ/cm2 10 ns, 1064 nm

O RDERING I NFORMATION 0.520

Diameter Clear Thickness /4 Wave /2 Wave

D (in.) Aperture (in.) t (in.) Part No. Part No. 0.510
Retardance (waves)

Mounts
Recommended
Mounted Wavelength Range
1.00 0.40 0.23 AQM-050- AHM-050- 0.500
1.00 0.70 0.38 AQM-100- AHM-100-
Unmounted 0.490
0.50 0.40 0.14 AQ-050- AH-050-
1.00 0.80 0.26 AQ-100- AH-100-
0.80 0.90 1.00 1.10 1.20
Please include the stock wavelength  in nanometers when ordering. Relative Wavelength (␭/␭c)
Custom

Custom center wavelengths or sizes can be specified for your application.

Fig. 3-10 Half-wave Achromatic Retarder

Please contact our sales department to obtain a price list for our standard components.
Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335 • w e b s i t e : w w w. m e a d o w l a r k . c o m Page 30
 Polarizers

BI-CRYSTALLINE ACHROMATIC RETARDERS

K EY B ENEFITS
■ High power
■ Superior IR performances
Retarders

■ Volume pricing

S PECIFICATIONS
Retardance: /4 and /2
Retardance Accuracy: /100 over wavelength range
Temperature Coefficient
of Retardance: </500 per °C
Crystals
Liquid

Wavelength Range: see figure

M eadowlark Optics is pleased to offer a selection of
1/4-wave and 1/2-wave achromatic retarders that
span the UV, visible, near IR and IR portions of the
Transmitted Wavefront
Distortion: /4
spectrum. Two multi-order crystalline retarders, one Reflectance: <0.5% per surface
made of crystalline quartz and the other magnesium Surface Quality: 40-20 scratch and dig
fluoride, are combined in a subtractive mode to give an
Beam Deviation: <1 arc min
effective zero-order waveplate. By a careful choice of
waveplate thicknesses, the dispersion of the retardance Temperature Storage
Spatial Light
Modulators

Range: -40
C to +75
C
is balanced to give a nearly constant retardance (in
waves) over a broad range of wavelengths. The useable Recommended Safe
wavelength range is defined to give a retardance value Operating Limit: 2J/cm2 (10 ns pulse @ 1064nm)
within /100 of the nominal value. Custom designs
with larger achromatic ranges, or deeper UV
wavelengths, are available on request.
O RDERING I NFORMATION
Diameter Clear /4 Wave /2 Wave
Bi-crystalline achromats are similar in achromatic D (in.) Aperture (in.) Part No. Part No.
performance to our polymer achromats in the visible, but
Polarimeters

Mounted
they excel in the IR. They have higher power handling 1.00 0.40 CQM-050 CHM-050
capability than our polymer achromats, and can with-
stand higher storage temperatures. Their field of view is Unmounted
0.50 0.40 CQ-050 CH-050
narrow compared to polymer achromats. Typically, they
cannot be expected to meet their retardance accuracy for We offer standard bi-crystalline achromatic to cover 4 regions of
the spectrum (see graph below): UV, VIS, NIR, IR. Please
rays whose incidence angles exceed 1.5°. If you must have specify wavelength region when placing your order.
the performance of a bi-crystalline achromat and a large
field of view, call us. We have a proprietary design that
will solve your problem! Please contact our sales department to obtain a price list for our
Mounts

standard components.
0.265
0.515
0.26
UV
0.51 VIS
0.255 NIR
Retardation (waves)

0.505 IR
Retardation (waves)

0.25
0.5
UV
0.245 VIS
NIR 0.495
0.24 IR
0.49
0.235
300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 2000
0.485
Custom

Wavelength (nm) 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 2000

Wavelength (nm)
Fig. 3-11 Performance of Bi-Crystalline Quarter-Wave Retarders
Fig. 3-12 Performance of Bi-Crystalline Half-Wave Retarders

Page 31 Te l ( 3 0 3 ) 8 3 3 - 4 3 3 3 • Fax (303) 833-4335 • e-mail: sales@meadowlark.com