Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 45

Tunable Filters Tunable Variable Attenuators and Rotators Attenuators Variable Beamsplitters Variable Modulators Light Spatial Shutters Non-Mechanical Beam Steerers Compensators Optical Polarimeters Variable Retarder and electronic controller. Figure 4-1 4-1 Figure controller. and electronic Retarder Variable NEW from Meadowlark Meadowlark NEW from 56 see page Retarders, Variable Liquid Crystal Swift • A Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder is the fundamental is the fundamental Retarder Variable A Liquid Crystal and systems. devices used in the following component • • • • • • • NEW shows a variety of output forms achieved with a with a a variety of output polarizationshows achieved forms is accomplished by phase modulation Pure single device. crystalthe optic axis of the liquid aligning to a parallel retarder polarized input beam. linearly are attenuators rotation with no mechanical Variable Retarder Variable by placing a Liquid Crystalconfigured Full 180° linear polarization polarizers. crossed between by combining the Liquid Crystal be achieved can easily rotation quarter with a fixed Retarder waveplate. Variable Spatial Light Modulators controllable consist of individually and/or variety a in used intensity of devices are These pixels. variation required. is spatial where applications control phase details the Spatial Light Modulator section for to Please refer products. on these innovative and specifications Liquid crystal over performance outstanding retarders can offer and thickness cavity Material type, angles. incidence large determiningin role the a large play voltage operating especially input angle. acceptable linearly light for is possible or modulation Phase control Electrical of the effective control polarized axis. to the fast 45° tuning of an optical phase precision allows index extraordinary in the propagating beam. delay Retarders Variable Liquid Crystal Retarders provide Variable Liquid Crystal Optics Meadowlark These true zero-order tunability. retardance solid-state precise performance offering excellent engineered, precision devices are When ranges. wavelength near infrared to in the visible CrystalLiquid our components, optical other with combined attenuation, Retarders controllable electrically produce Variable or phase modulation. linear polarization rotation, range wavelength a broad tuning of retarders over Continuous This added versatility makes applications. many for is required polarization Liquid with a single real-time conversion possible Crystal www.meadowlark.com Output State materials at decreases /2 /4 l l /2 /4 < l l d < = 0 d = = d d d /4 < 0 < Retardance l 4 7 2 ∼ ∼ ∼ Output polarization forms for different retardance retardance for different forms Output polarization with retarder variable a compensated of values input linearly polarized horizontal Voltage 4 < V < 7 V 4 < 2 < V < 4 V 2 <

V V V

across a considerable thermal environment and significant thermal and significant a considerable environment across range. wavelength liquid crystal retarders are affected by temperature and liquid crystaland byaffected temperature retarders are they to accommodate can be calibrated changes, wavelength is versatile Retarder Variable The resulting those differences. optimum performance. optimum Retarders used are Variable CrystalLiquid Optics Meadowlark these While region. near infrared and visible the throughout high birefringent materials and/or increased liquid crystal liquid materials increased and/or birefringent high layer of liquid crystal thickness. and design for evaluation requiring proper wavelengths, longer Retardances greater than half-wave can be achieved by using by using achieved be can half-wave than greater Retardances electric field. As voltage increases, the effective birefringence birefringence the effective increases, voltage As electric field. 4.6. See Figure retardance. in causing a reduction decreases, extraordinary (or slow) index. With no voltage present, the the present, no voltage With index. (or slow) extraordinary retardance and maximum to the windows molecules lie parallel crystal liquid the across applied is voltage When obtained. is of the applied the direction the molecules tip toward layer, required for many demanding applications. many for required crystalliquid the of axis The long the defines molecules using precision polished, optically flat optically fused silica windows polished, using precision with nematic is filled The cavity apart. microns a few spaced ensures assembly This crystal liquid material sealed. and beam deviation quality and low wavefront transmitted excellent birefringent materials whose effective birefringence can be can be birefringence materialswhose effective birefringent by varying an applied voltage. changed Liquid Crystal Optics Meadowlark Retarders constructed are Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders are solid state, real-time, real-time, Retarders solid state, are Variable Liquid Crystal liquid crystals Nematic are waveplates. tunable continuously

Fig. 4-1 Polarization Control with Liquid Crystals Liquid with Control Polarization [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Liquid Crystal 46 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Custom LiquidCrystal Capabilities either parallel orperpendiculartoit. angletothelightbutis moleculesisnotatanarbitrary crystal being used in a situation where the optical axis of the liquid of view iswidewhencompared toanLCVRbecausethecellis withexactyourself voltages ortight tolerances. Also, thefield (below ~1 V) gives 90° rotation, so you need not concern High voltage (above ~10 V) gives 0° rotation and low voltage overdevice scheme. anLCVRisthesimplicityofdriving excellent solution. A bigadvantage ofthetwistednematic angles, for example 0°and90°, isan atwisted-nematicdevice If you desire toswitch statebetween thepolarization only two optical switch,a digital only two statesare frequently required. states of an optical system,linear polarization or, in the case of One is often only interested in producing two orthogonal Twisted Nematic LiquidCrystal Cell us tocreate new, exciting solutionsfor control. polarization withnewwill provide ideas that willchallenge ourcustomers solutions for ourcustomers. We hopetheinformation below At Meadowlark Opticswe never ceaseworking onpolarization applications where astandard LCVRmightnotbeappropriate. withpotentialfor (TN)providesDevice ourcustomers custom that are extremely useful. The Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal inotherwayswe alsohave toutilizeLiquidCrystals theability Crystal Variable Retarder, Attenuator andPolarization Rotator, While we typically listourstandard products astheLiquid on ourwebsite atwww.meadowlark.com. Retarders”, UsingLiquidCrystal Polarimetry which isavailable inthe applicationnote use ofLCVRsisdescribed “Stokes andapproximately 150microseconds.symmetric An advanced With ournew SwiftLCtechnology , theswitching speedsare compensator) toover half-wave intheorder of10milliseconds. adjustable from nearly zero waves (orless than with an optional retarders.and standard crystalline are electronicallyThey Just canreplace oneofthese devices ofpolymer anentire series products istheLiquidCrystal crystal Variable Retarder (LCVR). A basic building block of Meadowlark Optics line of liquid Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders www.meadowlark.com between parallel polarizers tobeafunctionofthevariable, between parallel polarizers ­­transmission (normalized This conceptisillustrated infigure 4-2, which shows the rotation characteristic isretained. andthethickness ofthecell,of theliquidcrystal thepure for discrete wavelengths, certain dependingonthebirefringence light,polarized butrotated elliptically light. polarized However, lightisnolongerpolarized anoutputofrotated linearly longer actasapure rotator. The result ofinputtinglinearly as sufficiently gentle. When thisis not thecase, thecellwillno wavelengths, which enoughfor are short thetwisttobeviewed rotation angleisequaltothetwistforpolarization all “Mauguin limit” anditsrotation isquiteachromatic. The molecules.crystal Such a cell is said to be operating in the light, willsimply thepolarization follow thetwistofliquid If thetwistisgentle whencompared tothewavelength ofthe of thepolarization. voltage, however, thetwistdoesaffect thelight, causingrotation birefringence and therefore does not affect the light. At low (~10 V) alignsthemoleculeswith field andremoves the moleculesistwisted90°.crystal As inanLCVR, highvoltage manner asastandard LCVRexcept thealignmentofliquid inthesame cellisconstructed A twistednematicliquidcrystal seconds toswitch. over the entireparallel visible polarizers) range can take several to operate achromatically (for example totransmit <1%between minimum conditionmightswitch in10to50ms, onedesigned wavelengthwhile a cell operating at a particular in the first generally, speeddrops quadratically withthethickness. Thus, speed ofanLCisastrong functionofthecellthickness; minimum?”the first The simpleanswer isspeed. The switching One mightask, given theachromaticity ofthicker cells “why use wavelength. axis can be viewed as increasing thickness or decreasing minimum” andsoon. Inthisplot, moving alongthehorizontal The next highesttransmission minimum iscalled the “second the termed minimum”“first and this position is typically used. λ where d is the thickness of the cell, b is the birefrin is the wavelength. goes tozerofirst Where is thecurve NEW Swift LiquidCrystal Variable Retarders, seepage 56 NEW from Meadowlark Optics •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] U =2d(b/ to 1), ofa90°twistednematiccell λ ), ­gence and Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 47

-

to several seconds several to s m 1 mm to 100 mm 1 mm to 50 350 nm-2.2 microns nm. 10,000 0 to delay) (or phase linear 50,000:1 for Up to light monochromatic polarized Liquid crystal cell thickness changes cell thickness Liquid crystal

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 140 2 4 6 8 10 12

0 0.1 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.08 Custom sizes are available. Please contact your Meadowlark Op your Meadowlark are available. Please contact sizes Custom for assistance. tics sales engineer SPECIFICATIONS Clear Aperture Liquid crystal design space Liquid crystal Speed Switching Range Wavelength Retardances Extinction Ratio Fig. 4-3 Figure 4-4 shows the high contrasts of several thousands to one, to one, thousands several of the high contrasts 4-4 shows Figure nematic cells. with twisted in practice be achieved can which between taken was Contrast” “Normally Black curveThe termed state and high a dark gives polarizersparallel voltage low where White “Normally The curve termed a bright yields state. voltage polarizers perpendicular between taken where was Contrast” state occursthe dark at high voltage.

www.meadowlark.com Normally Black Contrast Normally White Contrast

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 140 2 4 6 8 10 12 crystal cell crystal Contrast ratio for a twisted nematic liquid nematic for a twisted ratio Contrast

Transmission of a twisted-nematic cell between cell between of a twisted-nematic Transmission and/or thickness of function a as polarizers parallel 0 6 4 0.1

1 1510 1520 1530 1540 1550 1560 1570 1580 1590

0.02 0.08 0.06 0.04 10

10 10

100

1000

Transmission Contrast Ratio Contrast

Fig. 4-4 Custom Liquid Crystal Capabilities Crystal Liquid Custom Fig. 4-2 wavelength [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Liquid Crystal 48 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers These products all use nematic liquid crystal materials to materials products allusenematic liquidcrystal These Fig. 4-5 areaxes bothat45°relative toaconvenient mountinghole. in an anodized aluminum housing such that thefast andslow sealed. We carefully placetheLiquidCrystal Variable Retarder contactsare attachedElectrical isenvironmentally andthedevice material.cavity is filled with birefringent nematic liquid crystal are then carefully aligned and spaceda few microns apart. The molecularalignment.to provide for liquidcrystal Two windows layerA thindielectric isappliedover theITO andgently rubbed, 450 -1800nm(seeFigure 4.5). coating is specially designed for maximum transmission from transparent conductive Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). Our ITO fusedsilicawindows coatedwithour using optically flat and assemblyfabrication steps. We these retarders construct Our precision LiquidCrystal Variable require Retarders unique linear orcircular polarization. light to any the input polarized thus altering chosen elliptical, the effective birefringence with applied voltage, of the material products provide tunable retardation changingliquid crystal by electrically control polarization. Meadowlark Opticsstandard Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders

Typical transmission through aliquidcrystal device www.meadowlark.com voltage (20volts). pinning causesaresidual retardance of~30nmeven athigh are pinnedatthealignmentlayer.because they This surface Molecules at the surface, however, are unable to rotate freely reduction intheeffective birefringence andhence, retardance. 4-6(b). As voltage increases, causinga moleculestipfurther perpendicular to the fused silica windows as shown in figure When voltage is applied, molecules to tip begin liquid crystal and maximum retardation isachieved. moleculeslieparallel totheglasssubstrates the liquidcrystal asshown infiguredistributed 4-6(a). parallel,with their long axes randomly but withtheir centers isthat,of nematicmaterial onaverage, moleculesare aligned cell.birefringent layers inthe liquidcrystal An essentialfeature moleculesform uniaxial Anisotropic nematicliquidcrystal per ºC). decreases withincreasing temperature (approximately -0.4% and temperature. The overall cell retardance ofaliquidcrystal birefringence dependsonoperating wavelength, drive voltage thickness andbirefringence. material Liquidcrystal As withany anisotropic material, retardance isdependentupon control. excellent opticalattenuator, withconvenient electronic Retarder between two creates highextinction an polarizers compensator. PlacingacompensatedLiquidCrystal Variable Crystal Variable Retarder withandwithoutanattached illustrates retardance asafunctionofvoltage for atypicalLiquid andleft-circularlybetween states. right- polarized Figure 4-8 are sometimes preferred, for example, when converting cell.attached totheliquidcrystal Negative retardance values subtractive fixed polymer retarder, calledacompensator, We achieve zero (orany custom)retardance witha Fig. 4-6

with appliedvoltage showing molecularalignment (a)withoutand(b) Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder construction (a) Maximum Retardance (V =0) (a) Maximum Retardance (V (b) Minimum Retardance (V >>0) Retardance(b) Minimum (V •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]

With novoltage applied, applied voltage tipped with LC Molecules Alignment Layer Fused Silica Spacer LC Molecules ITO

Liquid Crystal 50 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Fig. 4-9 Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders approximately 0.2%to0.3%per its clear aperture. Without thisoption, retardance decreases by The sensor is attached directly to the LCVR substrate, outside LCVRs for accurate controlling oftheoperating temperature. A temperature sensing and control option can be added to our on pages 59-61ensure thesedriverequirements are met. Our BasicController andFour ChannelInterface described controlling ourLiquidCrystal Variable (LCVR). Retarders require a2kHzsquare wave ofadjustable amplitudefor layer.buildup which candamage theliquidcrystal We an AC waveform withnoDCcomponenttoprevent ionic shouldbeelectrically driven with devices Liquid crystal Operating Limit Recommended Safe Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance Reflectance (persurface) Beam Deviation Surface Quality Distortion (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Withcompensator Withoutcompensator Retardance Range Wavelength Range Substrate Material Retarder Material SPECIFICATIONS

All dimensionsininches Model LVR-100 dimensions

° C increase intemperature. 0 to ~30 nmto 450-1800 nm(specify) fused silica Optical qualitysynthetic Nematic liquidcrystal 300 mJ/cm 500 W/cm 0 ± 0.005in. ≤ ≤ 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ custom ranges are available ° 0.5% at normalincidence 2 arc min λ Cto 50 /4

λ /2

° 2 C λ 2 , CW , 10ns,visible /2

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Fig. 4-10 • • • • Key Benefits For temperature control option, append-TSC to partnumber. spectral region whenplacingyourorder.Please specify IR2:900-1250nm VIS:450-700nm four spectral regions: We offer standard liquid crystal variable retarders to cover ORDERING INFORMATION Precision non-mechanical retardation control Usable from 450to 1800nm Temperature control options Computer control capability Diameter,

D (in.) All dimensionsininches Models LVR-200 andLVR-300 dimensions 3.00 2.00 1.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 Without Attached Compensator With Attached Compensator •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]

Aperture, CA IR 3:1200-1700nm IR 1:650-950nm Clear 1.60 0.70 0.37 1.60 0.70 0.37 (in.) (0 nmto (30 nmto Thickness t (in.) 1.00 0.75 1.23 1.00 0.75 1.23

λ/ 2) λ/

2)

LRC -300 LRC -200 LRC -100 LVR -300 LVR -200 LVR -100 Number

Part Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 51 (in degrees) for crossed for (in degrees) θ max )] T θ ) = 1/2 [1 - cos( θ

is the maximum transmittance when retardance is is when retardance transmittance is the maximum T( Unpolarized Transmittance as a function of Transmittance Unpolarized optimized Attenuator, Variable LC for wavelength input and unpolarized 550 nm, with polarizers for

max High extinction ratio High extinction capability control Computer intensity light of control Continuous Fig. 4-13 Key Benefits Key • • • as a function of applied voltage. is dependent upon properties transmission of the LC Maximum polarizers the as system. well as your in used Retarder Variable Attenuator Variable of an LC the transmission 4-13 shows Figure An polarizers. use at 550 nm with crossed optimized for illumination. unpolarized is used for light source (obtained transmission as the maximum is defined ratio Contrast divided by the minimum operation) with the LC cell at half-wave Values waves). (obtained with the LC cell at zero transmission a single can be obtained for 4-14) 1000:1 (see figure exceeding for levels by optimizing the applied voltage wavelength a minimum guarantee We transmission. and maximum minimum wavelength. specified of 500:1 at your ratio extinction Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal (LC) Variable Attenuator offersAttenuator Variable Optics Liquid CrystalMeadowlark (LC) attenuator Our intensity. light of control continuous real-time, compensator) (with attached Retarder Variable consists of an LC linear polarizers.crossed between operating is maximized by light transmission polarizers, crossed With from retardance half-wave to achieve the correct voltage applying rotates operation Half-wave 4-11. in figure the LC cell as shown so that light is passed the incoming polarization by direction 90°, is obtained with transmission Minimum by the second polarizer. waves. of) (or a whole number at zero operating the retarder amplitude voltage AC as the applied decreases Transmission The relationship retardance). (half- to zero-waves increases T and retardance transmittance between by: is given polarizer configuration T where transmittance 4-12 shows Figure (or 180º). wave one-half exactly

Linear Output Polarized www.meadowlark.com

Exit Polarizer s ˚ 45 Variable Retarder f Compensated Liquid Crystal Liquid Polarizer Entrance polarizers at a single wavelength at polarizers Normalized transmittance of Liquid Crystal of Liquid Crystal transmittance Normalized linear with crossed Attenuator Variable Standard Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuator design Attenuator Variable Liquid Crystal Standard linear polarizers uses crossed

Input

Unpolarized

Fig. 4-12

Fig. 4-11 Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuators Variable Crystal Liquid [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Liquid Crystal 52 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuators Fig. 4-14 accurate andrepeatable intensitycontrol for your application. pages 59-61offer theprecision toobtain waveforms necessary Our BasicController andFour on ChannelInterface described polarizers. forPlease seethe section on Polarizers a selection of available dichroicappropriate polarizers, can also be manufactured. forCustom devices nearinfrared applications, utilizing Variable are combinedwiththree Retarders polarizers. custom double attenuators. Inthisdesign, two LiquidCrystal high contrast ratios, inexcess of5000:1, canbeachieved with transmittance values exceed 90%atmostwavelengths. Very linearly inputbeamandacalcitepolarizer, polarized light transmittance andincrease damage threshold. With a tomaximize calciteorbeamsplittingpolarizers high efficiency A Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuator can be configured with Contrast Ratio 10,000 1,000

100 Attenuator optimized at550nm Typical Contrast Ratio ofaLiquidCrystal Variable 10 www.meadowlark.com Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance Reflectance (persurface) Beam Deviation Surface Quality (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Contrast Ratio IR2:900-1250nm VIS:450-700nm four spectral regions: We offer standard liquidcrystal variable attenuators to cover Substrate Material Polarizer Material Retarder Material Custom sizes areavailable. Recommended Safe Operating Limit placing yourorder. operatingwavelength Please specify SPECIFICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION Diameter, D (in.) 3.00 2.00 1.00 •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Aperture,CA Clear 1.60 0.70 0.37 (in.) IR 3:1200-1700nm IR 1:650-950nm λ 0° Cto +50°C ±0.005 in. ≤ ≤ 2arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ 500:1 at singlewavelength fused silica synthetic quality Optical Dichroic polymer Birefringent polymer Nematic liquidcrystal with polarizers) 1 W/cm innanometers when 0.5% at normalincidence λ /4 (eachcomponent) Thickness t (in.) 1.00 0.75 1.23 2 , CW(withdichroic

LVA -300- LVA -200- LVA -100- Number Part

λ λ λ Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 53 High power capability High power purity High polarization capability control Computer rotation polarization 180 degree light of linearly polarized rotation Continuous corresponding to polarization orientations approximately from These in 10° increments. 140° rotation -40° to approximately specified your for temperature room at taken are measurements wavelength. CrystalLiquid Standard Rotators supplied Polarization are Input polarization be must direction without an input polarizer. you if call Please performance. optimum for aligned precisely an input polarizer. require Key Benefits Key • • • • • linear of the rotated purity ratio as the Polarization is defined A selected rotation component to the orthogonal component. temperature. and operating is very to applied voltage sensitive polarization is better than purity ratio) (or contrast On average, 150:1. voltages the required test data including provide We - www.meadowlark.com Operation of Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator showing complete rotation of a linearly polarized input beam of a linearly polarized rotation complete showing Rotator Polarization of Liquid Crystal Operation

from the Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder. Retarder. Variable the Liquid Crystalfrom amount of rotation. Response time depends upon the desired times. response longer have Small rotations A quarter-wave retarder converts elliptical polarization elliptical converts formed retarder A quarter-wave to linear polarization. Retarder Variable by the Liquid Crystal change angle is equal to one-half the retardance The rotation cally controlling the retardance of the Liquid Crystal Variable Variable of the Liquid Crystal the retardance controlling cally motion. mechanical eliminating any Retarder, oriented at 45° to the slow axis of the quarter-wave retarder. retarder. oriented axis of the quarter-wave at 45° to the slow polarized to the quarter-wave be parallel input must Linearly byelectri is achieved rotation Polarization axis. slow retarder polarization direction of a monochromatic, linearly polarized linearly polarization of a monochromatic, direction Variable consists of a Liquid Crystal Our design input beam. quarter-wave polymer zero-order with a combined Retarder crystal axis of the liquid The fast is variable retarder retarder. Our Liquid Crystal the rotates Rotator continuously Polarization Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotators Polarization Crystal Liquid Fig. 4-15 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Liquid Crystal 54 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotators Recommended Safe Operating Limit Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance Reflectance (persurface) Beam Deviation Surface Quality Distortion (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Transmittance Polarization Purity Polarization Rotation Wavelength Substrate Material Retarder Material SPECIFICATIONS

Birefringent polymer Nematic liquidcrystal with 300 mJ/cm 500 W/cm 0° Cto 50°C ±0.005 in. ≤ ≤ 2arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ > 92%withpolarized input 150:1 average 180 450-1800 nm(specify) fused silica synthetic quality Optical 0.5% at normalincidence λ /4 ° ormore 2 2 , CW , 10ns,visible www.meadowlark.com

for acustom quote. Custom sizes areavailable.Pleasecontact ourSalesDepartment placing yourorder. operatingwavelength Please specify ORDERING INFORMATION Diameter, D (in.) 3.00 2.00 1.00 •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Aperture, CA Clear 1.60 0.70 0.37 (in.) λ innanometers when Thickness t (in.) 1.00 0.75 1.23 LPR -300- LPR -200- LPR -100- Number Part λ λ λ Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 55 700 Part Part Number LCS - 100 LCS - 200 LCS - 300 LCS 650 1.00 1.23 0.75 t (in.) Thickness 600 Wavelength (in.) 1.60 0.37 0.70 Clear Wavelength 550 Aperture,CA 500 Transmission for Polarized Light Polarized for Transmission 1.00 2.00 3.00 D (in.)

Diameter, Diameter, 450 450 500 550 600 650 700 450 500 550 600

High Contrast motion No mechanical capability control Computer No vibration

85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50

85 80 75 70 Transmission(%) 65 Polarized 60 55 50 Polarized Transmission (%) Transmission Polarized ORDERING INFORMATION INFORMATION ORDERING Key Benefits Key • • • • This liquid crystal alternative to is a vibration-free shutter in use for convenient especially that is shutter mechanical The liquid crystal between switches polarized beams. light input polarization the a state that rotates by 90° with no in the input no change state that makes applied and a voltage is voltage The applied applied. polarization with 8 to 10 volts liquid D3050 or D5020 as supplied by D4010, our AC 2 kHz crystalThe liquid is twisted configuration crystal drivers. visible dichroic shutter is supplied with integral The nematic. of 450 nm to range polarizers the wavelength that function over 1,000:1 of better than ratio contrast an average 700 to provide Shutters aperture sizes larger with range. this wavelength over on a available are to 2.1 microns coverage and with wavelength special requirements. with your Please call custom basis. Fig. 4-16

° www.meadowlark.com

, CW 2 incidence angle with some 2 / λ normal incidence 0.5% at min 5 arc Vertical on input face, horizontal horizontal on input face, Vertical on output face +80° C -20° C to +50° C 0° C to 5 milliseconds 0.4 milliseconds ≤ and dig 60-40 scratch ≤ ≤ 1 W/cm 0.48 — 0.52 inches Twisted nematic Twisted quality synthetic Optical fused silica Polymer Dichroic 450-700 nm 1,000:1 25° 10 above of contrast reduction

Closed to open: Closed to SPECIFICATIONS Storage temperature Storage temperature Operating Glass Thickness Direction Polarization Beam Deviation Safe Recommended Limit Operating Surface Quality Surface (per surface) Reflectance Open to closed to Open Wavefront Transmitted 632.8 nm) (at Distortion Switching Time (10% to 90%) at room temperature room 90%) at Time (10% to Switching Contrast Ratio (average) Ratio Contrast Angular Field of View Polarizer Material Polarizer Range Wavelength Liquid crystal configuration Liquid crystal Material Substrate High Contrast Optical Shutter Optical Contrast High [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 56

D4010 0 to 20 V rms, maximum 0 to < 10 V output ± 1 mV for ≥ 10 V output ± 10 mV for wave 2 kHz ac square TTL compatible 5 V maximum ± 5 mV dc, maximum 100 – 240 V ac 47 – 63 Hz 500 mA 0.5 – 150 Hz 50% duty cycle duty DC – 500 Hz, variable allowable cycle 7.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 in. Compliant

Basic LC Controller Basic LC Convenient, stand-alone bench top operation bench top stand-alone Convenient, with all standard - compatible Versatile liquid and other nematic devices LC Optics Meadowlark specifications listed with compatible devices crystal settings frequency and voltage memory retains System down power at readouts and frequency voltage LED digital green, Bright required with no adapters SMA and BNC outputs, function and restore save and frequency Voltage up in minutes. Sets functionality. Out-of-the-box Fuse protected. operation. voltage low Safe, use. to Compact. Easy operation. Intuitive and CE compliant ROHS liquid crystal DC bias protects Low SPECIFICATIONS Output Voltage Resolution Voltage Waveform Drive Fundamental (input) Modulation External Output Bias Requirements Power (modulation) Frequency Internal (modulation) Frequency External (W x D x H) Dimensions External CE Compliance ORDERING INFORMATION INFORMATION ORDERING Two year and three year extended warranty options available, options warranty extended year and three year Two sales engineer Optics your Meadowlark please contact Model D4010 comes equipped with its own internal own with its equipped comes D4010 Model modulation knob adjusts periodicThe Internal switching Frequency control. input allows An external settings. voltage the two between with other equipment. modulation to run synchronously is Retarder Variable Liquid Crystal Optics Meadowlark Each Using versus voltage. supplied with a plot of its actual retardance ensures plot retardance this and Controller D4010 Model your correlation. to voltage retardance accurate Key Benefits: Key • • • • • • • • • • • Error Voltage 1 Voltage Voltage 2 Voltage Voltage 2 Voltage Voltage 1 Voltage Voltage 2 Voltage 1.500 7.000 Model D4010 Frequency/Voltage 1 Frequency/Voltage Pulse Output Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Internal Internal External Frequency layout

Model D4010 Basic Liquid Controller front panel front Model D4010 Basic Liquid Controller

Fig. 5-1

Meadowlark Optics is excited to announce the release of the of the to announce the release excited Optics is Meadowlark This Liquid Crystal Basic our new Controller. Model D4010, single liquid crystal with any (LC) driver is designed to integrate as offered deviceLC Optics currently Meadowlark (standard) nematic Liquid Crystal as any well with the device compatible readouts and frequency Digital LED voltage listed. specifications settings and voltage frequency Now, added convenience. provide the adjustment knob. pressing by stored simply can be easily settings at system memory and frequency voltage retains Also, down. power adjustment of the manual Retarder, Variable a Liquid CrystalWith 4-8 on Figure the device retardance. amplitude controls voltage and voltage between the relationship 49 illustrates page retardance. selection repeatable easy and settings allow Independent voltage to modulate it is desirable Often, values. retardance of two quarter- between switching example, For states. the two between polarized light linearly changes retardance and half-wave wave easy toggle allows A manual to either left or right circular. states. two between switching Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Crystal Liquid Basic [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 49

layer. Typical Typical layer. layer. At higher higher At layer.

ral response of response ral ww.meadowlark.com. seems very complicated. Where can I find some Where can seems very complicated. clarification?” ANSWER ­ on tempo Note See our Application w at devices liquid crystal QUESTION “The device response of a liquid-crystal temporal to improve response times. With this drive method, a high a high method, this drive With times. response to improve the molecular alignment is applied to accelerate spike voltage to achieve is then reduced Voltage to the applied field. parallel to high low from When switching retardance. the desired the to allow removed is momentarily all voltage retardance Response liquid crystalrelaxation. natural molecules to undergo is also shown nematic effect with the transient time achieved described on Digital Interface Channel Four Our 4-7c. figure in voltage TNE necessary the provides conveniently 60-61 pages profiles. a Retarders provide Variable Liquid CrystalOur standard at half-wave least nm to at of ~30 range retardance minimum compensator, an attached With wavelength. the specified least half-wave to at zero from to range is guaranteed retardance to (up ranges Custom retardance wavelength. specified the at Contact custom compensatorsand available. are waves) few a our Sales Department requirements. to discuss your with retardance is supplied Retarder Variable Crystal Liquid Each wavelength. specified your data for performance versus voltage easy for with mating connector is provided A coaxial cable controllers. to one of our electronic attachment Response Time Response depends on time response Retarder Variable Liquid Crystal viscosity, thickness, layer including parameters, several treatment. and surface variations voltage in drive temperature, Liquid crystalproportional time is to the square response total the of square the therefore, and thickness layer the of retardance. of the retardance depends upon direction Response time also time is determined response increases, If the retardance change. If retardance of the molecules. relaxation by mechanical solely due to the faster time is much response in value, decreases electric crystal liquid the across increased field Variable Crystal Liquid visible standard our for time response about It takes 5 ms to switch 4-7b. figure in is shown Retarder and about 20 to high voltage) (low waves one-half to zero from voltage). (high to low to one-half wave zero from ms to switch byusing custom materials with high Response time improves crystal liquid thinner a and birefringence also contributing to a material viscosity decreases, temperature, 56 for see page speed critical applications, For response. faster Swift LC devices. (TNE) Nematic Effect Transient the involves Another technique

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The applied voltage is a 2 kHz square wave. wave. is a 2 kHz square The applied voltage the liquid crystal will damage DC voltage Excessive Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder performance performance Retarder Variable Liquid Crystal 632.8 nm, 21° C. at applied voltage versus and (a) without compensator (b) with compensator Temporal response of LC Variable Retarder Variable of LC response Temporal

b) a)

Fig.4-7

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Two year and three year extended warranty options available, options warranty extended year and three year Two sales engineer Optics your Meadowlark please contact Four Channel Digital Interface Digital Channel Four [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 59 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Two ChannelHighVoltage Interface CellDRIVE settingsCellDRIVE to/from afile. generatedCellDRIVE waveforms andthe abilityto save/restore all sync pulse onafront panel connector at desired points inthe waveforms. Additionalfunctionsinclude the capability to outputa sinusoidal, square, triangle, sawtooth andtransient nematic effect connector orspecific CellDRIVE generated waveforms including driven eitherby anexternal signalsuppliedto afront panel allows theamplitude ofthe 13kHzsquare wave outputto be monitoring andcontrol onone channel.The Advanced Package speed Swift LC devices. Alsoincludediscapability for temperature 3100AdvancedCellDRIVE software, butisoptimized for the high- 3100HVsoftwareCellDRIVE includesallthe features ofthe plus thehighvoltage circuitry for necessary Swift LC devices. The D3060HVPackage includesallthe functionalityofthe D3050 LC liquidcrystal devices at one time. precision computer control ofupto two Meadowlark Optics Swift The Two ChannelHighVoltage Digital Interface isdesignedfor high ORDERING INFORMATION • CellDRIVE3100HVSoftware • Temperature monitoring andcontrol • Power supplyand power cable • LC-Controller interface cable • Temperature control cable • USBandRS232 cables • UserManual • D3060HVController Unitwith external inputandsync • Package includes: output front panelconnectors National Instruments LabVIEW virtual instruments driver High Voltage Controller High Voltage Cable Swift LC Cable D3060HV www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] • • • • • • Key Benefits: Modulation Resolution Amplitude Modulation Fundamental Drive Waveform set InterfaceCommunications DC • Use of LabVIEW Instrument Use of LabVIEW Library requires • XP/Vista/7/8 Windows™ • USBorRS232 COM Port • 250 MB hard drive space • CDROM drive • 256 MB RAM • PCwithPentium 4 class processor • SystemRequirementsMinimum Output Sync only) Temperaturechannel (one Control WaveformsModulation Weight H) x W x (L Dimensions SafetyFeature PowerRequirements Controllerto Connections LC SPECIFICATIONS osoft® HyperTerminal configuration file S232 interface + code examples (allrequired libraries included)

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