A Lowdown of Over 10,000 Waveplates

Waveplates are considered a workhorse in the world or precision optics. The transparent plates are essential to various applications in several industries, allowing experts to analyze, control, and optimize polarized light.

Tower Optical specializes in a variety of waveplates. Our crystalline retarders have serviced the needs of industry experts with the sole goal of improving man’s quality of life using the power of light-based technology.

We’ve worked with some of the leading biomedical engineers, telecommunication providers, optical imaging experts, and government labs since 1978. Along with impeccably timely delivery and competitive pricing, we offer a wide selection of waveplates for our clients to choose from.

With over 10,000 waveplates in stock—coupled with our custom-building capabilities—the opportunities are endless!

Zero-Order Waveplates

These thin, crystalline quartz waveplates have consistent retardation with respect to variations in temperature or wavelength. The phase delay created by zero-order waveplates between polarization directions is very small—1/2 wave—owing to their thinness.

To overcome the difficulties with handling these delicate waveplates, bonding or cementing zero-order waveplates to a thicker glass plate may offer greater stability.

True zero-order waveplates offer great stability and low-temperature sensitivity, becoming a viable choice for many applications.

Multiple Order Waveplates

Made with laser quality crystal quartz, multiple order waveplates are relatively thick and allow for easier handling compared to zero-order waveplates. Owing to the thickness of the single birefringent material they’re made of, multiple order waveplates may result in retardation shifts.

Multiple order waveplates have a higher sensitivity to temperature and are prone to shifts in retardation owing to shifts in wavelength.

Achromatic Waveplates

These special waveplates are manufactured by combining different materials with varying chromatic dispersion. With a retardance of λ/4 and λ/2 and made with crystal quartz and MgF2, achromatic waveplates can either be cemented together or air-spaced.

While the cemented achromatic waveplates offer a more cost-effective alternative and can accommodate large beam diameters, air-spaced waveplates allow for high power and precision.

Want to know more?

With over 10,000 waveplates in our inventory of precision optical products, we’ve got the optical solutions for all your needs. Having worked with industry experts all over the world, our diverse stock of waveplates will prove to be a high-quality, cost-effective solution for you.

If standard waveplates don’t cut it for you, we can manufacture custom waveplates to meet your specific requirements. Along with these, our experts can produce custom beamsplitters, beam expanders, micro prisms, optical flats, and laser windows to suit your needs.

Reach out to us and we’ll send you a quotation!