Waveplates

——Precision Optical Retarders

Waveplates (also known as retardation plates or phase shifters) are high-precision optical components manufactured from birefringent materials. These materials split incoming light into two rays – the extraordinary and the ordinary – each traveling at different velocities due to variations in their refractive indices. When recombined, this difference in velocity creates a measurable phase shift, making waveplates essential for polarization control.

The phase difference δ is defined by the equation:

δ = 2πd(ne – no) / λ

Where:

• d = thickness of the waveplate

• ne, no = refractive indices of extraordinary and ordinary rays

• λ = wavelength of incident light

At any given wavelength, the thickness of the waveplate determines the amount of phase retardation, enabling precise control over the polarization state of light.

Standard Waveplates from China Star Optics

As a professional waveplate manufacturer, China Star Optics provides a wide selection of high-quality retardation plates designed for research, industrial, and laser applications. Our product line includes:

• Full-Wave (λ) Waveplates

• Half-Wave (λ/2) Waveplates

• Quarter-Wave (λ/4) Waveplates

• Octadic-Wave (λ/8) Waveplates

These standard waveplates are widely used for polarization analysis, beam rotation, phase shifting, and in optical systems requiring accurate polarization synthesis.

We manufacture waveplates at multiple standard wavelengths to match diverse optical setups and ensure stable, repeatable performance.

Why Choose China Star Optics Waveplates?

• Precision Control – Accurate birefringent material selection ensures stable phase retardation.

• Wide Applications – Suitable for laser systems, optical communication, medical instruments, and polarization experiments.

• Custom Options – Thickness, wavelength, and coatings can be tailored to your project requirements.

• Trusted Manufacturer – As a dedicated waveplate supplier, we combine advanced fabrication technology with strict quality control to deliver consistent results.

Applications of Waveplates

• Laser beam polarization control

• Optical instrumentation and metrology

• Telecommunications systems

• Imaging and spectroscopy

• Research and laboratory optics

Key benefits include:

• Improved Thermal Stability – Better temperature performance (up to ±38°C).

• Broadband Operation – Narrower wavelength sensitivity (≈1.5 nm) for consistent results.

• Angle Tolerance – Superior incident angle bandwidth (≈4.5°), ensuring stable performance in optical systems.

• High Damage Threshold – Capable of withstanding high-power laser applications.

• Cost-Effective – An economical choice for laboratories and industrial setups without compromising on quality.

Low-order waveplates are widely adopted in laser optics, telecommunications, and general polarization applications where both performance and affordability are critical.