Waveplates are used in the synthesis and analysis of polarized light. Quarter waveplates transform linearly
polarized light into circularly polarized light, and vice-versa. Half waveplates rotate the plane of polarization of
linearly polarized light through any angle. They also convert left circularly polarized light into right circularly
polarized light, and vice-versa. Multiple Order Waveplates are made from a single crystalline quartz plate.
Retardation varies quickly with wavelength, thus they are generally useful only at their design wavelength.
Retardation is also a function of plate thickness and
is slightly temperature dependent due to thermal
expansion.
Due to their potential strategic high value, export of RMI products and related technical data may be subject to U.S. or other export licensing requirements.
Please consult your export control administrator or contact RMI for more information.