A Zero Order Waveplate consists of two waveplates made from Quartz or Magnesium Fluoride, with their optical axes orthogonally aligned. This ingenious construction of Zero Order Waveplates effectively offsets the unfavorable chromatic dispersions occurring in the birefringent materials, since the disturbing retardation shifts in the first plate will be compensated by the second plate. Therefore zero order waveplates are substantially far less sensitive to changes in temperature and wavelength than their multi-order counterparts. However, changes in the angle of incidence will still induce corresponding phase shifts.
Hangzhou Shalom EO offers Zero Order Half Waveplates, Zero Order Quarter Waveplates, and Zero Order Octadic Waveplates. Half Zero Order Waveplates, with retardation of lambda/2, could rotate the polarization plane of linearly polarized light. Quarter Zero Order Waveplates are often selected to transform linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light and vice versa. An Octadic Waveplate produces a retardation of lambda/8, it is extensively incorporated in applications of nonlinear optical systems, optical time-multiplexing systems, optical sensors, special interferometers, synchronous phase shifters, etc.
The modules with air gap design have particularly promoted damage threshold and are suitable for high energy lasers. Air spaced zero order waveplates made from single crystal quartz are available in both stocked and customized versions, with optional wavelength range from 200nm to 2000nm. Besides, Shalom EO also provides zero order waveplates made from Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) in various design forms (air spaced, optically contacted or NOA61 cemented), with a wider optional wavelength range from 190nm to 7000nm (p.s. MgF2 zero order waveplates only accessible in customized versions, please contact our tech support if you are interested).
Features:
- Wide optional wavelength range
- High temperature stability, high damage threshold
- Air spaced and double retardation plates structure
- Half waveplates, quarter waveplates, octadic waveplates and full waveplates are available
- Wavelength range: 200-2000nm for Quartz waveplates, 190-7000nm for MgF2 waveplates
- Both off-the-shelf and customized Quartz zero order waveplates are offered, MgF2 zero order waveplates only offered in customized versions
