Zero order waveplate

Waveplates

Principle / Application – λ/4 Waveplate
UPT quarter waveplates create a quarter-wavelength phase shift (π/2, 90°) and can convert linear polarization to circular polarization and vice versa. They are often used with a linear polarizer to form an isolator, blocking light reflected back from other surfaces (ellipsometry, optical pumping, isolation).

Principle / Application – λ/2 Waveplate
UPT half waveplates retard one polarization direction by half a wavelength (π, 180°), effectively changing the direction of linear polarization, depending on the orientation of incident linear polarization with respect to the crystal axis. Therefor they can be used as continuously adjustable polarization rotators e.g. in electro optical modulation or as a variable beam splitter when used in combination with a polarizing beam splitter.

Zero Order Waveplate-Optically Contacted

Optically Contacted zero order waveplate is constructed by two quartz plates with their fast axis crossed, the two plates are constructed by optically contacted method, the optical path is epoxy free. The difference in thickness between the two plates determines the retardation. Zero order waveplates offer a substantially lower dependence on temperature and wavelength change than multi order waveplates.