Waveplates » Multi-Order Waveplates

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.

Multi-Order Waveplates are made from a single Crystalline Quartz or Sapphire 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-depedent due to thermal expansion.