The 10RP14-30 Multiple-Order Quartz Wave Plates is a crystal quartz optic designed to differentially retard the phase of a polarized beam. With the proper phase shift, this waveplate can be used to convert linear polarization into circular polarization. This 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter wave plate is 1mm thick and has λ/4 (90°) retardation. It is antireflection coated to maximize transmission at 850 nm. When using multiple-order wave plates, several items should be considered. A wave plate of practical thickness produces a multiple of λ/4 or λ/2 retardation. Higher orders cause retardation to vary dramatically with wavelength. Wave plates are sensitive to temperature changes. A typical multiple-order wave plate has a temperature coefficient of 0.0015 λ/°C, compared to 0.000 1λ/°C for a zero-order wave plate, so tighter temperature control will be required. Precise adjustment of retardation is possible by tilting the wave plate. Tilting about the slow axis increases retardation, while tilting about the fast axis reduces retardation.
| Model | 10RP14-30 |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-order Quarter Waveplate |
| Wavelength Range | 850 nm |
| Material | Quartz, Schlieren Grade |
| Thickness | 0.04 in. (1 mm) |
| Surface Quality | 10-5 scratch-dig |
| Damage Threshold | 2 MW/cm2 CW, 2 J/cm2 with 10 nsec pulses |
| Construction | Single plate |
| Diameter | 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0/-0.25 mm |
| Retardation | λ/4 |
| Retardation Accuracy | ±λ/300 at 20°C ±1°C |
| Wavefront Distortion | ≤λ/10 at 632.8 nm over the full aperture |
| Reflectivity per Surface | R <0.5% |
| Cleaning | Non-abrasive method, acetone or isopropyl alcohol on lens tissue recommended, caution: fragile, thin optic |
