Table of Contents 1 76 76 79 80 58 57 56 53 55 51 48 62 46 60 45 59 66 70 74 65 68 72 64
Swift Optical Shutters Swift Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders Variable Swift Liquid Crystal Swift Liquid Crystal Principles Liquid Crystal Rotators Polarization Optical ShuttersHigh Contrast Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuators Variable Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders Variable Liquid Crystal Interface Voltage Channel High Two Custom Liquid CrystalCustom Liquid Capabilities Channel Digital Interface Four Polarization Control with Liquid Crystals Control Polarization Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Spatial Light Modulator Controller Tunable Optical Filters Tunable Set Generator Eigenstate Spatial Light Modulators Tunable Optical Filter Principles Optical Filter Tunable Polarimeters Spatial Light Modulator Principles NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW Engineering Services Capabilities Assemblies Optical Quality Standards Information Ordering
Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Electronics Drive
Spatial Light Modulators Light Spatial Filters Optical Tunable Polarimeters Systems 42 40 38 37 35 22 33 21 32 20 30 19 29 18 28 9 17 27 8 15 26 44 6 14 24 43 3 11
Member of the Colorado Photonics Photonics Member of the Colorado Inc. Association, Industry Polarizers ™ Polarizer/Retarder Sets Polarizer/Retarder Retarder Selection ChartRetarder Bi-Crystalline Achromatic Retarders Achromatic Bi-Crystalline Precision Achromatic Retarders Achromatic Precision Dual Wavelength Retarders Wavelength Dual Polarizer Selection ChartPolarizer Wide Field Retarders Field Wide Beam Separators Commercial Retarders Commercial Dichroic Circular Polarizers Circular Dichroic RetardersPrecision Optical Isolation with Circular Polarizers Circular Optical Isolation with Compound Zero Order Quartz Order RetardersCompound Zero VersaLight Glan-Thompson Polarizers Example Analysis Polarization Ultra-High Contrast Linear Polarizers Contrast Ultra-High UV Optics Polarization Manipulation with Retarders Polarization High Contrast Linear Polarizers High Contrast Broadband Beamsplitting Polarizers Beamsplitting Broadband Polarization Control with Polymers with Polymers Control Polarization Beamsplitting Cube Mounts Precision Linear Polarizers Precision Laser Line Beamsplitting PolarizersLaser Line Beamsplitting Retarder PrinciplesRetarder Rotary Mounts Linear Polarizer PrinciplesLinear Polarizer
NEW NEW NEW NEW
Mounting Hardware Mounting
Retarders Polarizers Polarization Components Polarization
© 2008 Meadowlark Optics, Inc. Optics, © 2008 Meadowlark reserved. All rights trademarks are and Windows™ Microsoft® Corporation. Instruments of National trademarks are Instruments™ LabVIEW™ and National is a Inc. VersaLight™ of Moxtek, is a trademark of Corning, Inc. MicroWires® is a trademark Polarcor™ Corporation. of Microsoft Inc. Optics, of Meadowlark trademark Code: 3Z151 CAGE Table of Contents Table [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Polarization Components Polarization components provide the backbone of our business. Polarizers, Retarders and Liquid Crystal Devices are the fundamental building blocks for our line of systems and instrumentation and also for our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.
In addition to the delivered hardware components, an important part of the service Meadowlark Optics provides to our customers includes extensive, precise polarization metrology. Our metrological capability ensures that these components are delivered to you in spec the first time, every time.
We have broadened our offering to include Polarizers for the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared regions of the spectrum.
Retarders (or waveplates) are another key component to Meadowlark Optics customers. Recent new products include Wide Field Retarders, which provide excellent field of view performance out to 30 degrees incidence, or more. Now, we are introducing Dual Wavelength Retarders for polarization control at two fixed wavelengths.
The Polarizers and Retarders described above are “passive” components, with no active control possible. Our line of Liquid Crystal Devices includes compensated and uncompensated LC Variable Retarders, Attenuators and Polarization Rotators. With this catalog, we are now introducing Optical Shutters, as well.
Naturally, Meadowlark Optics offers necessary control electronics to mate with the LC Device required in your application including the offering of an extended warranty program.
A line of Mounting Hardware is also available. We’ve added Beamsplitter Mounts to our popular Rotary Mount offering.
Additionally, we provide the capability for the assembly and calibration of Optical Sub-assemblies giving our customers a valuable, time saving and quality improved product. Call for more information. [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 2 Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal
Controllers 3 . 2 Note: Polarizers are available from less than 5mm square to 5mm square to are available from less than Polarizers Note: diameter 200 mm and greater Selecting the appropriate dichroic polarizing material enables range wavelength the over performance ratio extinction excellent variationssmall to polarizationDue the in nm. 5000 to 310 from extinction ratios degrade over larger material, apertures for all dichroic polarizers. Meadowlark Optics has improved the broadband high-efficiency, polarizerswith dichroic of transmission product our in used windows glass the on antireflectioncoatings constructionglass Laminated contributessubstantial a to design. Our polarizerin improvement transmitted distortion. wavefront allowing for assembly greatly improves the product durability, cleaning. easy and repeated Meadowlark Optics also offers a line of high contrast dichroic glass polarizers for the near and mid infrared regions of the spectrum up High to throughput 5000 and nm. contrast make requirements. infrared near for choice excellent polarizersan these Key advantages of dichroic polarizers include superior angular acceptance and flexibilityextreme for custom shapes and sizes. Please call one of our Sales Engineers assistance. for Beamsplitting Polarizers Beamsplitting Beamsplitting polarizers divide unpolarized incident light into absorption Low beams. polarized linearly orthogonal, (usually) two coatings provide an combination excellent of damage resistance and extinction ratio at a Rugged moderate beamsplitter price. cubes are easily mounted and therefore designed into many unique the polarizers offer Beamsplitting applications. instrument one of polarizedlinearly advantage two providing output beams, transmitting straight off through at and “splitting” the second of theratio the extinction When necessary, 90 degrees. precisely dichroic a adding by improved dramatically be can reflectedbeam Laser both offers Optics Meadowlark face. output the to polarizer to visible covering Polarizers, Beamsplitting Broadband and Line near Laser infrared applications. Line Beamsplitting Polarizers V-type improving offer antireflectionthe advantage of coatings, efficiency by limiting Broadband Beamsplitting surface losses. broadband or wavelength tunable for versatile more are Polarizers sources. Dichroic Polarizers – Polymer and Glass – Polymer Polarizers Dichroic polarizers dichroic of line extensive an offers Optics Meadowlark made from both polymer and treated Dichroic glass materials. refers to the selective polarization absorption of the anisotropic These polarizers are polarizingusually material (Diattenuation). film polymer dyed and stretched thin, a laminating byconstructed between two polished and antireflection-coated glass windows. The resulting compact component offers value excellent and is often the best choice for flux densities below 1 watt/cm Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics now offers four types of linear polarizers: grid wire beamsplitting, dielectric glass), and (polymer dichroic crystal.and calcite Regardless of input polarization, a linear polarizer a linear polarizer of input polarization, Regardless light. linearly polarized only transmits
Fig. 1-1
Ideal linear polarizers allow the transmission of only one polarization state with zero leakage of all other polarization states. Rotating the linear polarizer about the optical axis linear perfect a Thus, polarization. of plane output the changes and beam input unpolarized an of 50% only transmits polarizer two perfect polarizers with their transmission axes crossed polarizersin Imperfections beam. incident an extinguish totally such as scattering materialsites, defects (such as pinholes in thin films) and field-of-view effects reduce ideal polarizers’ contrast. several key factors When must choosing be a linear polarizer, aperture size, wavelength range, cost, considered including: transmission efficiency damage threshold, acceptance angle, and extinction Extinction ratio. ratio (or contrast ratio) is defined as the ratio of transmitted intensity through parallel polarizers to the transmitted intensity through crossed extinction polarizerswith offers Optics Meadowlark polarizers. ratios as high as 10,000,000:1 over the operating wavelength range. Linear Polarizer Principles Polarizer Linear [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers 4 Controllers Fig. 1-2 Linear Polarizer Principles polarized beams,conveniently separated by 90°. Beamsplitting Polarizers provide two orthogonally www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] contact aMeadowlark for OpticsSalesEngineer assistance. basis.Please custom a on available is material transmissive coated.when ultravioletdurable selected moreSpecially are spectrum.infrared powerand relativelyhigh handle can They 200mm diameter with high contrast across the visible and near to up sizes aperture large in available are Versalightpolarizers wire spacing.) grid the than greatermuch wavelengthsbecome their as solution it. (Longer wavelengths are closer approximations to the ideal strongly affected by the wavelength of the light passing through Joule heating reduce the contrast of the polarizer, which is also field and pass 100% of the transverse field. Material defects and parallelIdeally, the for reflector perfect a as behavewires the dimension.transverse the in than wires the along mobility the “wires”higher much a havewhich electrons free oscillate two orthogonal polarizations.the for Electromagnetic radiation incident on behavior different drive conditions boundary in grid,wire the with interactsdifferences radiation unpolarized substrates.incident glass When on conductors aluminum pitch nm 100 sub place to used are techniqueslithographic wires, conductive fine of array of an Instead arranging manually frame. non-conductive a around wrapped wires metallic fine using Hertz Heinrich by experiments 1888 the of outgrowth modern the are polarizers grid wire VersaLight Wire GridPolarizers power handlingandultraviolet performance. However,both limits construction cemented with version the performance.foroverallsystem important is angle acceptance wide a where recommended are Polarizers Glan-Thompson to internal reflection separate the two polarization components. total of advantage takes design material,the calcite optical Glan-Thompson calcite polarizers. Manufactured from Grade A performance, from 320 to 2300 nm. Meadowlark Optics offers rare. Calcite material exhibits extremely broadband transmission are crystal natural this of pieces uniform opticallylarge since efficiency.transmission and ratio limited,are sizes Aperture excellent polarization properties including very high extinction with crystal birefringent occurring naturally a is Calcite Calcite Polarizers Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal
Controllers 5 Polarized Light in Polarized Polarized Light and Optical , edited by edited Optics, of Handbook , edited(SPIE by , Robert Fischer, e, (Harvard Use, and Production Light: Polarized , (John Wiley and Sons, New New Sons, and Wiley (John , Testing Shop Optical
Optical Optical System Design Modes with a Liquid-Crystal Spatial Light Modulator”, Appl. Appl. Modulator”, Light Liquid-CrystalSpatial a with Modes 1517 (1997). 36 (7), Opt. York, 1978). York, (24), 5146 (1988). 27 (24), Opt. Appl. Retarders (Waveplates),” , 1115 (1964). 54, Am. M. Bass, (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1995), Vol. I, Chap. 5; J.A. J.A. 5; Chap. I, Vol. 1995), York, New (McGraw-Hill, Bass, M. II, Vol. “Optical Properties of Films and Coatings,” ibid., Dobrowolski, “Polarizers,” J.M.Bennett, 14. 42; Chap. Chap. I, II, Vol. Vol. ibid., ibid., Crystals,” “Liquid Wu, S. 3; Chap. 1966). Mass., Cambridge, University Press, t, (Pergamon Press, New York, 1971). York, New Press, (Pergamon t, Measuremen Calif., Diego, San Press, (Academic , Spectroscopy and Optics 1990). in
press, McGraw-Hill, 2008), Chap 19. 2008), McGraw-Hill, press, Linear Polarizer Principles Polarizer Linear 9. G. Love, “Wave-front Correction and Production of “Wave-front Zernike Love, G. 9. 8. D. Malacara, Malacara, D. 8. 7. P.D. Hale and G.W. Day, “Stability of Birefringent Linear Day, Hale and G.W. 7. P.D. 3. D. Clarke and J.F. Grainger, Grainger, Clarke and D. J.F. 3. Soc. J.Opt. Plates,” Retardation Theoryof “Exact Holmes, D.A. 6. 4. D.S. Kliger, J.W. Lewis and C.E. Randall, Randall, Lewis and C.E. J.W. Kliger, D.S. 4. Shurcliff, W.A. 5. 1. T. Baur and S. McClain, “Polarization Issues in Optical Design” Design” Optical in Issues “Polarization McClain, S. and Baur T. 1. in “Polarization,” Bennett, J.M. 2. Polarizer and Retarder References: References: Retarder and Polarizer [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers 6 Controllers Precision LinearPolarizers Fig. 1-5 Fig. 1-3
Polarized Transmission (%) Polarized Transmission (%) 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 325 325 specify –NIR1 specify Near infrared polarizer 1performance, Ultraviolet polarizer performance, –UV1 specify 345 345 Wavelength (nm) Wavelength (nm) 365 365 385 385 www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Extinction Ratio Extinction Ratio • • • • • Key Benefits Fig. 1-6 Fig. 1-4 polarizer. ratiosinfiguresaremeasuredagainstExtinction aGlan-Thompson Polarized Transmission (%) 100 Ultraviolet, visible,nearinfrared wavelengths Low transmitted wavefront distortion Wide angularacceptance Excellent surface quality High extinction ratios
20 40 60 80 Polarized Transmission (%) 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 700 0 350 specify –NIR2 specify Near infrared polarizer 2performance, Visible polarizer performance, –VIS specify 900 450 1100 Wavelength (nm) Wavelength (nm) 550 1300 650 1500 750 1700
850 1900 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000
Extinction Ratio Extinction Ratio Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal
Controllers 7
Part Part Number Number DP-050-UV1 DP-050-VIS DP-050-NIR1 DP-050-NIR2-n DP-100-UV1 DP-100-VIS DP-100-NIR1 DP-100-NIR2-n DPM-050-UV1 DPM-050-VIS DPM-050-NIR1 DPM-050-NIR2-n DPM-100-UV1 DPM-100-VIS DPM-100-NIR1 DPM-100-NIR2-n DPM-200-UV1 DPM-200-VIS DPM-200-NIR1 DPM-200-NIR2-n (in.) (in.) 0.13 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.26 0.26 0.27 0.27 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Thickness Thickness Mounted
Unmounted (in.) (in.) 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 Clear Aperture Clear Aperture n rmatio Info (in.) (in.) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Diameter Diameter Ordering Custom AR coatings are available on all polarizers. AR coatings Custom AR coating please choose from the following NIR2 polarizers, For options: 650 – 950 nm NIR2 – 1 covers 900 – 1250 nm NIR2 – 2 covers nm 1200 – 1700 NIR2 – 3 covers Both mounted and unmounted Precision Linear Polarizers are offered as standard products. Meadowlark Optics marked. axis clearly their transmission Linear Polarizers have Precision
/5. , 20 ns, visible λ
2
, CW /10 flat). /10 For flat). visible 2 , 20 ns, 1064 nm λ 2 200 mJ/cm 2 J/cm Dichroic Polymer Dichroic +0/-0.010 in. ±0.020 in. +50° C -50° C to +50° C -50° C to +40° C -50° C to 1 W/cm UV Grade Synthetic Fused Synthetic UV Grade Silica A, fine annealed BK 7 Grade A, fine annealed BK 7 Grade ≤ λ/2 ≤ λ/5 ≤ λ/2 and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 2 arc min ≤ 1 arc min ≤ 2 arc ~ 4.25% (uncoated) ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5% ±0.005 in.
eflectance (per surface, at normal incidence) at (per surface, eflectance ecommended Safe Operating Operating Safe ecommended ns Specificatio these polarizers. these polarizers. your Meadowlark are available. Please contact coatings Custom quote. a custom sales engineer for Optics Prolonged exposure to strong ultraviolet radiation may damage ultraviolet strong to Prolonged exposure Polarizer Material Polarizer Thickness Tolerance Range Temperature Storage Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared R Limit Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared Substrate Material Substrate Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared 632.8 nm) (at Distortion Wavefront Transmitted Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared Quality Surface Beam Deviation Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared R Tolerance Diameter Mounted Unmounted We We use various polarizer materials to cover wavelengths between 320 and 2000 Both nm. visible and near infrared polarizers are supplied with broadband a high-efficiency, optional are coatings AR single-layer coating; antireflection(AR) polarizers. on our ultraviolet
Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics manufactures Precision Linear Polarizers high between laminated materialpolarizer sheet dichroic using quality glass substrates (BK 7 material, Precision Linear Polarizers Linear Precision wavelength polarizers, wavelength this polarizers, construction produces a total distortion of less than wavefront transmitted [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers 8 Controllers High Contrast LinearPolarizers Fig. 1-7 measured aGlan-Thompson polarizer Polarizer centered at 800nm.Extinction ratio is Typical transmission for aHighContrast Linear www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] edwak pis ae Egne t dsus or specific your discuss application. to a Engineer contact Sales Please available. Optics are Meadowlark mm 25 to bandpasses 10 nm from 80 sizes to and 60 with nm 1580 to 630 from ranges wavelength Custom 10,000:1. as high as available are ratios apertures.Contrast large in polarizers calcite of performance the offer Polarizers Linear Contrast High Optics Meadowlark wavefront superior achieve performance andsurface quality. to substrates glass between quality polarizers high glass dichroic Polarcor™ laminating constructed by are polarizers These Polarizers. Linear Contrast near the High of in line a contrast offers now improvedOptics region, Meadowlarkinfrared for need the to response In • • • Key Benefits R Temperature Range R Beam Deviation Surface Quality (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Substrate Material Polarizer Material these polarizers. Prolonged exposure to strong ultraviolet radiationmaydamage sales engineerfor assistance. Custom sizes areavailable.Pleasecontact yourMeadowlark Optics Specifications Or Diameter ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface) 1.00 1.00 (in.) de Absorptive Dichroic Glass High Transmission High Contrast r i n g In Clear Aperture Clear Aperture fo 0.40 0.70 (in.) r matio Thickness n n 0.25 0.35 (in.) 1 W/cm -50° Cto +70°C ≤ 3arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ λ/4 BK 7Grade fineannealed A, Dichroic Glass ≤ 0.5%at normalincidence 2 J/cm 200 mJ/cm Wavelength specify specify specify specify Range 2 , 20ns,1064nm 2 , CW 2 , 20ns,visible PPM -050λ PPM -100λ Number Part
Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal
Controllers 9
Part Part Number Number UHP - 050 - UV UHP - 050 - VIS UHP - 050 - IR UHP - 050 - LNIR UHP - 100 - UV UHP - 100 - VIS - 100 - IR UHP - 100 - LNIR UHP UPM - 050 - UV UPM - 050 - VIS UPM - 050 - IR UPM - 050 -LNIR UPM - 100 - UV UPM - 100 - VIS UPM - 100 - IR UPM - 100 -LNIR ° C (in.) (in.) 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5% Thickness Thickness ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5% ≤ 1.0% with R
with R with R with R Mounted and Laminated Mounted (in.) (in.) 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 Unmounted and Laminated Unmounted Clear Aperture Clear Aperture n rmatio Info (in.) (in.) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Extremely high contrast greater than 10,000,000:1 than greater high contrast Extremely 400 to part usable Unlaminated 5000 nm 340 to ranges Wavelength Glass Dichroic Absorptive Diameter Diameter Ordering IR-AR4 covers 1200-1750 nm 1200-1750 nm IR-AR4 covers IR-AR3 covers 600-1200 nm IR-AR3 covers IR-AR2 covers 550-850 nm IR-AR2 covers Custom anti-reflection coating options are available. Please call options coating anti-reflection Custom your Meadowlark Optics Sales Engineer for assistance. assistance. for Sales Engineer Optics your Meadowlark example: For 340-410nm with R UV covers 450-750 nm IR-AR1 covers Key Benefits Key • • • • If you Meadowlark Optics need now has the solution for you. Our extremely UHP- UV series high polarizers offer high contrast contrast in the to UV from 400 polarizers, 360 nm and then our contrast UHP-LNIR over series the polarizers exceptionally offer 5000 nm. broad high range from 650 to - 4.25% at normal incidence 4.25% at ~ ±0.005 in. +0/-0.010 in. +50° C -20° C to Dichroic Glass Dichroic glass Borofloat glass float D263T display glass float D263T display Design dependent ≤ 1λ per 10mm diameter and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 5 arc
eflectance (per surface) eflectance Specifications above are for laminated Ultra-high contrast polar Ultra-high contrast laminated are for above Specifications izers. For unlaminated parts, please contact your Meadowlark your Meadowlark parts, please contact unlaminated For izers. Sales Engineer. Optics +400° C survive parts can -50° C to * unlaminated ns Specificatio Diameter Tolerance Diameter Mounted Unmounted ange * Range Temperature Laminated Substrate Material Substrate Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Long near-infared Wavefront Transmitted 632.8nm) (at Distortion Quality Surface Beam Deviation R Polarizer Material Polarizer Ultra-High Contrast Linear Polarizers Linear Contrast Ultra-High [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
10 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Ultra-High Contrast LinearPolarizers Fig. 1-10 Fig. 1-8Ultra-High Contrast UVPolarizer Ultra-High Contrast IRPolarizer www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Fig. 1-9Ultra-High Contrast VISPolarizer Fig. 1-11 Ultra-High Contrast LNIRPolarizer Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 11
® performance Polarizer UV VersaLight Typical Typical IR VersaLight Polarizer performance Polarizer IR VersaLight Typical eflective polarizer eflective Broadband use Broadband R angle acceptance Large Fig. 1-13 on a glass substrate and sets a new standard for the applications from view of field wide a and contrast durability, high requiring visible through infrared wavelengths, including the telecom region. VersaLight offers the performance C. quality 200° to of dichroic sheet temperature operating the extending while polarizers The VersaLight’s nature MicroWire constructionof allows it to In perform operation, as an polarizingexceptional beam splitter. VersaLight reflects one polarization state and transmits another, both with VersaLight offershigh contrast. the broadest band material available. currently of any of view and highest field can be shaped as VersaLight needed and stacked to veryachieve high Large contrast VersaLight Polarizers aperture ratios. are up to 8" rounds. basis, on a custom available Key Benefits Key • • • MicroWires aluminum of layer thin a of constructed is VersaLight™ Fig. 1-15 ed t t i sm an Tr Polarizers ™
VersaLight Polarizer construction and use construction Polarizer VersaLight performance Polarizer NIR VersaLight Typical
Fig. 1-12 VersaLight Fig. 1-14 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
12 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers VersaLight Infrared NearInfrared Ultraviolet Transmitted Wavefront Distortion (at 632.8nm) Infrared NearInfrared Ultraviolet Thickness Typical contrast inreflection Infrared NearInfrared Ultraviolet Substrate Material IR VersaLight isoptimized for 1000-2000nm NIR VersaLight is optimized for 450-1000nm UV VersaLight is optimized for 300-450nm fragile andcannot betouched. On ultraviolet VersaLight, the wire gridsurface willbe unprotected, Square Round Outside Dimensions Maximum Temperature Wavelength Range Beam Deviation Surface Quality Specifications ™ Polarizers 0.7 mm 0.7 mm 1.1 mm > 30:1 Precision float glass Precision float glass UV grade fusedsilica ~ ~ ~ 1 to 140mm 1 to 200mm 200° Cfor singlelayer 400 nmto >2000 nm ≤ 1arc min 80-50 scratch anddig 5λperinch 5λperinch λ/4perinch
www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] sales engineer for assistance. Custom sizes are available. Please contact your Meadowlark Optics Call for information on even higher contrast, doubledassemblies. Or de r 2.0 in.diameter 1.0 in.diameter 0.5 in.diameter i 0.5 xin. n Dimension 2.0 xin. 1.0 xin. g In
fo r matio Standard VersaLight n n Square Round AR Coating NIR NIR NIR NIR NIR NIR UV UV UV UV UV UV IR IR IR IR IR IR VLS-050-IR VLS-050-NIR VLS-050-UV VLR-200-IR VLR-100-IR VLR-050-IR VLS-200-IR VLS-100-IR VLR-200-NIR VLR-200-UV VLR-100-NIR VLR-100-UV VLR-050-NIR VLR-050-UV VLS-200-NIR VLS-200-UV VLS-100-NIR VLS-100-UV Part Number Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 13
polarization s Beamsplitting polarizers provide two orthogonally two orthogonally provide Beamsplitting polarizers 90° by separated beams, conveniently polarized
High Contrast reflectance Low threshold High damage distortion wavefront transmitted Low polarized light is transmitted while is reflected. is reflected. Fig. 1-17 Key Benefits Key • • • • Meadowlark Optics right angle prisms are matched in pairs to produce high quality laser line beamsplitting polarizers with reflection.and transmission both in quality superiorwavefront The face hypotenuse of one prism is coated with a multilayer performance. laser for optimized coating beamsplitting dielectric prismsTwo protecting are the cemented critical together, factors. environmental performance-degrading coating from Each cube separates an unpolarized incident beam into linearly two orthogonal, polarized components with negligible Following the principle of absorption. pile-of-plates polarizers, p
Typical performance of a Laser Line performance Typical Polarizer Beamsplitting
Fig. 1-16 Laser Line Beamsplitting Polarizers Beamsplitting Line Laser [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
14 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Fig. 1-18 Laser LineBeamsplitting Polarizers Limit R Temperature Range Dimensional Tolerance Standard Wavelengths: Acceptance Angle Reflected Transmitted Beam Deviation Surface Quality R Clear Aperture s-polarized light p-polarized light Efficiency Reflected Transmitted Contrast Ratio (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Material Specifications ecommended Safe Operating eflectance (persurface)
polarized beams,conveniently separated by 90 Beamsplitting polarizers provide two orthogonally 500 W/cm -40° Cto +100°C ± 0.020in. 1064 and1550nm 532, 632.8,670,780,850, ± 2° ≤ 6arc min ≤ 3arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ 0.25%at normalincidence Central 80%diameter ≥ 99%reflected ≥ 95%transmitted ≥ 20:1 ≥ 500:1 ≤ λ/5for p-polarized beam BK 7Grade fineannealed A, 300 mJ/cm 200 mJ/cm 2 2 2 , CW , 10ns,1064nm , 10ns,visible www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] °
Call usfor pricingonnonstandard wavelengths orsizes. Custom sizes and wavelengths, over 400-1600 nm are available. Please substitute yourwavelength innanometers for λ. Or de incident andreflected laserbeams. direction liesprecisely intheplanedefined by the polarizer. Thetransmitted linearpolarization precise determination, usealaserlinebeamsplitting and unmounted polarizers we sell.For amore The polarization direction ismarked onallmounted SOLUTION polarizer?” “How can Ifindpreciselythepolarization axisofa PROBLEM r i n A =BC(in.) g Dimensions In 1.00 0.50 fo r matio n n BP -100λ BP -050λ Number Part Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 15 . For °
Design Performance of IR3 Broadband IR3 Broadband of Design Performance Polarizer Beamsplitting Design Performance of IR1 Broadband of IR1 Broadband Design Performance Beamsplitting Polarizer Beamsplitting
High contrast Low reflectance Broad spectral range High damage threshold Key Benefits Key • • • • Fig. 1-22 Fig. 1-20 For applications involving broadband or tunable wavelength Optics Meadowlark presents a full line of sources, Broadband Beamsplitting Polarizers covering the visible to near infrared region. These cubes offer increasedpolarization needs. utility for a range of As with the Laser Line two Beamsplitting usable Polarizers, separated conveniently polarizationby forms 90 result, unpolarized input, unpolarized incident input, light will be equally 50% split, the Varying input polarization axis transmitted and reflected. the split ratio. will change
Beamsplitting Polarizer Beamsplitting Design Performance of IR1 Broadband IR1 Broadband of Design Performance Design Performance of Visible Broadband of Visible Broadband Design Performance Polarizer Beamsplitting
Fig. 1-21
Fig. 1-19 Broadband Beamsplitting Polarizers Beamsplitting Broadband [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
16 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers minimize losses. All four entrance and exit faces are antireflection coated to optimum performance. for alignment angular accurate and input collimated ranges.However,well- require designs broadband these aids in providing polarizers such broad usable wavelength these for glass high-index of choice Our described. previously Polarizers Beamsplitting Line Laser the to similar is line polarizer this of construction basic The Broadband Beamsplitting Polarizers R Temperature Range Dimensional Tolerance NearIR3 NearIR2 NearIR1 Visible Wavelength Ranges Acceptance Angle Reflected Transmitted Beam Deviation Surface Quality R Clear Aperture s-polarized light p-polarized light Efficiency (average over wavelength range) Reflected Transmitted Contrast Ratio (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Material Specifications ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface) 500 W/cm -40° Cto +100° C ± 0.020in. 1150-1600 nm 820-1250 nm 620-900 nm 440-680 nm ± 2° ≤ 6arc min ≤ 3arc min 40-20 scratch anddig incidence ≤ 0.5%average at normal Central 80%diameter ≥ 98%reflected ≥ 95%transmitted ≥ 20:1 ≥ 500:1 ≤ λ/5for p-polarized beam SF 2 300 mJ/cm 200 mJ/cm
2 2 2
, CW , 10ns,1064nm , 10ns,visible
www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
Custom sizes are available. Please contact ourSales Department. Or de r i n A =BC(in.) g Dimensions In 1.00 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 fo r matio Near IR3(1150-1600nm) Near IR2(820-1250nm) Near IR1(620-900nm) Visible (440-680nm) n n BB-100IR2 BB-050IR2 BB-100IR1 BB-050IR1 BB -100IR3 BB -050IR3 BB -100VIS BB -050VIS Number Part Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 17 that work over over Rhombs that work (see page 38). These These (see are page 38). Fresnel Fresnel etarder etarder R Liquid Liquid Crystal Devices for use in the contrast over 350 to 410 nm 350 to over contrast Ultra-High Contrast UV Polarizer has excellent has excellent UV Polarizer Contrast Ultra-High Uncoated, air-spaced Glan-Laser Calcite Polarizers Polarizers Glan-Laser Calcite air-spaced Uncoated, 2300 nm 250 to be used from can
Fig. 1-23 For your achromatic retarder requirements, we recommend the recommend we requirements, retarder achromatic your For Bi-Crystalline Achromatic fluoride. magnesium and crystallinequartz of out manufactured The standard ultraviolet version works to around 400 nm. are region ultraviolet the into deeper work that designs Custom also manufacture We available. down to Based 250 broad upon nm. wavelength ranges, the one reflectionadds each Reflection, Internal Total of principles Fresnel Rhombs eighth come wave of in retardance. quarter Optics Meadowlark your contact Please versions. wave half and or a custom quote. assistance sales engineer for in response we theFinally, toare customer, you, investigating the manufacturing of www.meadowlark. Please visit our website, ultraviolet region. the for engineer sales Optics Meadowlark your contact or com latest information and assistance on this or any region. in the ultraviolet have may polarization you requirements Fig. 1-24 Precision (see VersaLight Compound Zero Order etarders (see Ultra High Polarizer Contrast Laser Line Beamsplitting Polarizers. Polarizers. Beamsplitting Line Laser for various wavelengths in the in various wavelengths for etarders is another ultraviolet polarizer option (see page 6) is our most economical offering Glan Glan - (see Thompson Polarizers page 18) also work
Wide range Wide R of range UV Polarizers/ Meadowlark quality and Standard Custom Options Available
NEW to our standard product offering (see page 29). 29). page (see offering product standard our to Retarders Quartz with retarders quartz order multiple two of out made are These their optic axis directions being perpendicular to each other. Quartzretarders available. are wavelengths ultraviolet Specific are excellent for applications that require consistent performance also We over manufacture thermal variations. Quartz R Order Multiple we By using precision polishing ultraviolet region. techniques, can surface provide and excellent transmitted transmission, quality. wavefront Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics recently added Retarders Linear Polarizer and well works for low power applications with wavelengths between 325 Our - 400 nm. page 9) allows the user to obtain contrast ratios in excess of 10,000,000:1 and is optimized for wavelengths between 350 - slightly and transmission higher with option custom A nm. 410 Ultraviolet available. also is ratio contraast lower page 11) works below 300 nm, and It has a wide acceptance reflectivecan and polarizer. transmissive be used as both a angle and comes While in it a wide of range shapes and sizes. apply can Optics Meadowlark coatings, no with standard comes grid, wire the antireflectionopposite broadband coating either wavelength. specific a for V-coat a or region Ultraviolet the over Uncoated polarizers are these Silica, Fused Grade UV of out Manufactured Finally, region. ultraviolet the in wavlengths common for made Alpha - Barium Borate that Meadowlark Opitcs Please is contact currently pursuing. assistance. Optics sales engineer for Meadowlark your down to 320 nm and give excellent contrast ratios over a broad broad a over ratios contrast excellent give and nm 320 to down By wavelength range. using ultraviolet transmitting optical Meadowlark Optics can go deeper into cement, the ultraviolet calcite of type all manufacture can Optics Meadowlark region. Meadowlark Also, polarizers to in work the ultraviolet region. custom produce can Optics Polarizers custom and standard several has Optics Meadowlark Currently, polarizers that work in Our the ultraviolet region.
Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics is pleased to offer several polarizer and in region of the the ultraviolet light options that work retarder Collected on spectrum. this page are some of our offerings, both standard and If custom. you require any ultraviolet please polarization contact optics, your Meadowlark Optics assistance sales engineer for UV Optics UV Key Benefits Key • • • [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
18 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Fig. 1-24 Glan-Thompson Polarizers Ordering Information Aperture (mm) Clear 10 10 10 10 5 5 8 8 8 5 5 8
Glan-Thompson Polarizer construction 1000 –1500 1000 –1500 1000 –1500 650 –1000 320 –2300 320 –2300 650 –1000 320 –2300 650 –1000 Wavelength Range (nm) 400 –700 400 –700 400 –700 Coating None None
MgF MgF MgF MgF MgF MgF MgF MgF MgF None AR 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 GTP –M05 GTP –M101250 GTP –M100825 GTP –M100550 GTP –M08 –1250 GTP –M08 –0825 GTP –M08 –0550 GTP –M05 –1250 GTP –M05 –0825 GTP –M05 –0550 GTP –M10 GTP –M08 Number Part www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] • also available. are Polarizers Glan-Thompson range. Uncoated infrared near to visible the cover options coating antireflection Three forThompson Polarizers useover 320-2300nm. transmission.ultraviolet reason,this For Glan- recommend we material transmits down to 215 nm, the cement interface limits mounting.easy for housing calcite raw Although cylindrical Our Glan-Thompson Polarizers are supplied in a black anodized range. spectral broad a and performance ratio extinction excellent applications. Key advantages laserof Glan-Thompson Polarizers include power low and instrumentation optical precision Meadowlark Optics offers Glan-Thompson Polarizers, intended for isproduced. linearpolarizer efficient polarizers,calcite very our a in angles prism internal controlling precisely crystal. By birefringent occurring naturally a is Calcite • Key Benefits Singlelayer MgF Uncoated R Extinction Ratio Material R Wavelength Range Acceptance Angle Beam Deviation Specifications ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface, at normalincidence) Excellentratioextinction Broad spectr Broad 2 a l rangel clear aperture 10,000:1 over central 2/3of Grade AOptical Calcite 25-30 W/cm 320-2300 nm ± 5° ± 3arc min ~ 1.5% ~ 4.5% 2 CW
Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 19
ization or polarization Polarized Polarized Light in Optics and Reduce Reduce back reflection Beam separation Combines polarizer and in retarder one component • Retarder Polarizer/Zero-Order Dichroic • Retarder Beamsplitting Polarizer/Zero-Order Custom sizes are available. Please contact our Sales Department. our Sales contact Please available. are sizes Custom , page 5. page , Spectroscopy Both designs take advantage of the handedness changecircularly polarizedof bybeam Again, changinga upon reflection. the handedness of the circularly polarized beam, back reflections by the polarizer. blocked are The degree of this blocking is commonly used to evaluate it can be “isolation”, Termed circular polarizer performance. considered similar to the extinction ratio linear polarizer. specification of a which beam incident an of percentage the represents Isolation is blocked on its second pass through the circular polarizer. returnedHigh isolation implies less light will be to the source. A more detailed description of the characteristics of circularly polarized light is provided in Key Benefits Key • • • or light polarized left-circular either transmit CircularPolarizers right-circular polarized light for an input beam of any polarization state. When circularly polarized light is reflected, changing left-circular polarization to right- itsdirection reverses, propagation polarizer same the Therefore vice-versa. and polarization circular that produces circular polarization of the incident beam will the return beam. block Achievement of optical isolation using the circular polarizers specularreflection be the that requires catalog this in described and that no significant modification occur in any intervening medium between the depolarreflector and optical isolator. offer circular polarizers We each for use in two basic designs, in air: Dichroic Circular Polarizer construction Polarizer Circular Dichroic Optical isolation using a circular polarizer using a circular isolation Optical
Fig. 1-25
Fig. 1-26 Optical Isolation with Circular Polarizers Circular with Isolation Optical [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
20 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Dichroic Circular Polarizers R Temperature Range Unmounted Mounted Diameter Tolerance R NearInfrared Visible Beam Deviation Surface Quality NearInfrared Visible Transmitted Wavefront Distortion (at 632.8nm) Isolation Standard Wavelengths Substrate Material Retarder Material Polarizer Material these polarizers. Prolonged exposure to strong ultraviolet radiationmaydamage Specifications ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface)
1 W/cm -20° Cto +50°C +0/-0.010 in. ±0.005 in. ≤ 0.5%at normalincidence ≤ 2arc min ≤ 1arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ λ/2 ≤ λ/5 >99.8% 1064 and1550nm 532, 632.8,670,780,850, BK 7Grade fineannealed A, Birefringent Polymer Dichroic Polymer 2 , CW www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] available on a custom basis. Please call for application assistance. also are wavelengthapplications.single versions for Achromatic designed are Polarizers Circular Dichroic standard Our direction parallel tothemarks onthehousing. polarization beam input polarized linearly a align to polarizer circular transmission,the maximumrotate Forpropagation. beam of direction the in marking indicator the position proper of orientation your Dichroic Circular Polarizer. Be sure requiresto effect polarization desired the of Achievement lossesare minimized.ensure surface reflection transmitted wavefront distortion. Anti re eoodr eadr (ae 30-31) (page retarders zero-order True optimumperformance. ensures direction polarization linear the wave retarder. quarter- zero-order Accurately aligning the retarder true fast axis at 45° to and polarizer linear a dichroic of consist Polarizers Circular Dichroic Optics Meadowlark • • • Key Benefits between high quality optical flats, providing less than less providing flats, optical quality high between Once aligned, both polarizer and retarder materials are laminated tothefinaltolerances performance. alsocontribute Polarizers.Circular Dichroic our of assemblyretardanceTight hand circularoutput. hand circularoutput.Append a“-RH”to yourpartnumber for right- left-hand circularoutput.Please call to request aquote for right- Meadowlark Optics standard DichroicCircularPolarizers provide Or Diameter Diameter de Low transmittedLow wavefront distortion diametersLargeavailable isolation High 2.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.00 (in.) (in.) r i n g In fo Clear Aperture Clear Aperture r matio 1.20 0.70 0.40 0.40 0.80 (in.) (in.) n n Unmounted Mounted Thickness Thickness 0.50 0.35 0.25 0.13 0.26 (in.) (in.) reflection coated windows reflection r ue i the in used are CPM-200λ CPM-100λ CPM -050λ CP-100λ CP -050λ Number Number Part Part λ /5 /5
Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 21 Part Number BS - 050 - λ BS - 100 - λ , 10 ns, visible , 10 ns, 1064 nm , CW 2 2 2 300 mJ/cm 200 mJ/cm ≤ 0.5% at normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 3 arc ± 2° 532, 632.8, 670, 780, 850, 1064 and 1550 nm ±0.020 in. +50° C -20° C to 500 W/cm BK 7 Grade A, fine annealed BK 7 Grade ≤ λ/5 80% diameter Central
(in.) 0.40 0.80 n Clear Aperture matio r fo In g /350 waves. Aligning the fast axis to within 1° ensures ensures 1° within to axis fast the Aligning waves. /350 λ n (in.) 0.50 1.00 i r High isolation available Large diameters distortion wavefront Low transmitted de Cube Dimensions ecommended Safe Operating Operating Safe ecommended eflectance (per surface) eflectance Or ns Specificatio . λ for in nanometers your wavelength substitute Please 400-1600 wavelengths over Custom are available. sizes Custom a obtain to our Sales Department nm are available. Please contact quote. custom Surface Quality Surface Beam Deviation Angle Acceptance Wavelengths Standard Dimensional Tolerance Range Temperature R Limit Material Distortion Wavefront Transmitted nm) 632.8 (at Clear Aperture R greater greater than 99.8% source isolation from specular back reflections. Meadowlark Optics Beam Separators are specially designed for for designed specially Separatorsare Beam Optics Meadowlark consists Assembly of a true zero-order laser line applications. at axis fast its with oriented 30-31) (page retarder quarter-wave 45° to the transmission axis The Polarizer oftransmitted (page beam 13-14). is a circularly Laser Line Beamsplitting beam polarization of the input state. regardless polarized, Our true Precision zero-order Retarders are one quarter-wave ± within Key Benefits Key • • •
Beam Separator function Beam Separator
Fig. 1-27 Beam Separators Beam [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
22 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Polarizer Selection Chart Beam Separator Dichroic Circular Circular Broadband Laser Line VersaLight Beamsplitting Glan-Thompson Ultra-High Contrast High Contrast Precision Dichroic Polarizer Type Linear standard products Page custom options 21 20 15 13 11 18 9 8 6 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • robust opto-mechanical design excellent wavefront quality high isolation performance achromatic versions for broadband large diameters available high isolation broad spectral performance high damage threshold high contrast high damage threshold low reflectance high contrast up to 170mmapertures available visible andnearinfrared versions high power handlingcapability specularly reflective operation broad spectral performance multilayer BBAR coatings also available broad spectral performance excellent extinction ratio excellent ultraviolet product option highest available contrast ratio high temperature resistance broad spectral performance wavelength-specific design high transmission high contrast limited power handlingcapability most economical linearpolarizer choice ultraviolet, visible,nearinfrared versions custom shapesandlarge apertures available www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Product Features
500 100015002000 500 100015002000 5001000 Wavelength Range 15002000 Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 23 1.20 in. 1.20 in. (diameter) 5, 8, 10 mm 0.40, 0.80 in. 0.40, 0.80 in. 0.40, 0.80 in. 0.40, 0.70 in. 0.40, 0.80 in. Clear Aperture 0.40, 0.70, 0.80, 0.40, 0.70, 0.80, 0.40, 0.70, 0.80 in. ± 5° ± 5° ± 2° ± 2° ± 5° ± 2° ± 2° ± 45° ± 10° Angle Acceptance Polarizer and Retarder sets available, see page 42. see page sets available, and Retarder Polarizer
λ λ/5 λ/5 λ/4 λ/5 UV: λ/2 UV: VIS: λ/5 VIS: λ/5 NIR: λ/2 NIR: λ/2 IR: 5λ per inch NIR: 5λ per inch UV: λ/4 per inch UV: (maximum at 632.8 mn) at (maximum 1λ per 10mm diameter Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Wavefront Transmitted
3 arc min 3 arc 5 arc min 5 arc 3 arc min 3 arc 1 arc min 1 arc 3 arc min 3 arc (maximum) UV: 2 arc min 2 arc UV: VIS: 1 arc min VIS: 1 arc VIS: 1 arc min VIS: 1 arc Ref: 6 arc min 6 arc Ref: Ref: 6 arc min 6 arc Ref: NIR: 2 arc min NIR: 2 arc NIR: 2 arc min NIR: 2 arc Trans:3 arc min arc Trans:3 Trans:3 arc min arc Trans:3 Beam Deviation ~4%
0.25% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 1.50% 0.50% VIS: 0.50% (uncoated) NIR: 0.50% UV: ~4.25% UV: Reflectance
~1.50% (coated) ~4.50% (uncoated) (maximum per surface) (maximum Circular Beamsplitting
Linear Polarizer Selection Chart Selection Polarizer [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 24 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers through the material with different velocities (due to to (due velocities different with material the through of the retarder. The orthogonal polarization components travel axis fast the two to relative 45° at oriented is light polarized Plane into a decomposed on incident vectorially orthogonal components vibrating along the fast and slow axes. is wave light material polarized birefringent plane a 2-1, figure In axis. slow orthogonal the to parallel light than velocity higher a at to as the is referred to as the axis extraordinary the material, uniaxial positive a For n definition, direction.By polarization that to parallel index where direction given upon itspolarization by velocity a has retarder a travelingthrough Light birefringence.material index refractive indices – the extraordinary index different two having materials birefringent,uniaxial from made are retarders Optics Meadowlark catalog standard All form. polarization its change simply beam,they light the in change intensity an induce they do polarize,nor not do retarders Ideally,form. polarization different a of generally is wave them.between shift phase a produces and light resulting The light wave into two orthogonal a linear polarization components resolves that device optical an is waveplate) (or retarder A for acustomquote. are also available upon magnesium fluoride request. Please call as such materials crystalline quartz.Other used commonly as well as materials crystal liquid and polymer innovative required.is states includeproducts retarderpolarization Our are whereapplications in used control analysisor of Retarders R e >n etarder Principles n o c o for apositive uniaxialmaterial. is the speed of light in a vacuum and fast axis. Light polarized parallel to the fast axis travels . the defines indices two the betweendifference The slow axis, while the axis ordinary is referred v =c/n n e n and the ordinary is the refractive v dependent www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
and hightransmission properties. durability theirpreferredfor sometimes are retarders Quartz °C.per -0.5% about by varies retarder quartz thick mm 1 a temperature. thumb,of rule a As waves)retardancefor(in the angle,incident extremelyto be sensitive can andwavelength transmitted wavefront quality. and However, surface excellent multiple-order provides retarders substrate quartz the of (typically quarter- or half-wave) are offered. Precision polishing retardance fractional desired the plus waves of number surface reflections oftheretarder.surface reflections and thickness substantial,the be upon can depending effect used. is source light etalon coherent This a when wavelength All retarders suffer small retardance oscillations as a function of upon bothincidentwavelength andretarder thickness. dependent strongly is retardance that illustrates equation This Retardance isthenrepresented by: that one polarization component is delayed relative to the other. Retardance can also be expressed in units of length, the distance where where: Retardance (inwaves) isgiven by: leaves theretarder elliptically polarized. state. polarization modified a producing light transmitted The other each to relative shifted phase are and birefringence) More commonly, andmounting. inbothfabrication difficulties 15 only is operation nm 550 forwaveplate quarter quartz order page,previous zero- the on true shown a equations the From Quartz A review ofseveral retarder typesispresented below. easily. manufacturedbe to birefringence low a have must and thin is temperature and angle of incidence. A zero-ordertrue retarder wavelength, with stability retardance demanding requiring applications most the for preferred often are retarders of order waves several (having retardance), compound zero-order,multiple-order or true zero-order.be can True zero- Retarders calcite, ormostcommonly, quartz. oriented polymers. retarders Crystalline are often made of mica, and liquid) and solid (both crystals as such order molecular anisotropic with materials in common is Birefringence R
etarder Types m λ b t m thick. Such a thin, fragile retarder presents handling handling presents retarder fragile thin, a Such thick. m
= = = has a birefringence of ~0.0092 in the visible region.visible the in ~0.0092 of birefringence a has d , istheretardance (innanometers). thickness ofbirefringent element(innanometers) wavelength ofincidentlight(innanometers) birefringence (n multiple-order quartz d e , -n d =bt/λ =dλbt o ) retarders having a whole Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 25
crystals electro-optic may be may retarder dual wavelength
Rhombs use total internal reflection to create
zero-order quartz zero-order a compound that Note field of improved does not provide retarder only a retarder, a multiple-order over view does. retarder true zero-order We precisely orent and layer several polymer sheets to make make to sheets polymer several layer and orent precisely We then are stacks polymer These retarders. polymer achromatic laminated between optical flats. Achromatic polymer retarders offer the versatility needed for broadband applications with demanding performance requirements. When a retarder must have thewavelengths samethat areretardance separated by a atspan then a twotoo large retarder, achromatic for an can retarders wavelength dual of versions Some answer. the also provide different specified retardances at two different wavelengths. Liquid crystal retarders are electrically variable waveplates. Retardance is altered by applying a low voltage variable, liquid thin a placing by made are retarders These waveform. microns few a spaced windows parallel between crystallayer birefringence in crystalrange materialsliquid Different apart. zero-order true thin, of fabrication enabling 0.26, to 0.05 from region. to near infrared retarders in the visible Fresnel a phase shift Fresnel rhombs components. make excellent achromatic between reflectionretarders of description complete more A two retarders. orthogonal polarization 5. listed on page in the references can be found use retarders birefringent tunable Other such as KD*P (potassium This dideuterium phosphate). material is used in cell Pockels retarders which operate at megahertz frequencies but require very high voltage for control. retardance
materials offer a lower birefringence than quartz and
etarder Principles etarder compound zero-order compound quartz zero-order retarder performance improves A by combining two quartzmultiple-order with waveplates the The desired fast retardance axis difference. of one plate is aligned with the slow cancelling axis the of large the other, retardance values and leaving only the desired fractional Thermal half-wave). or quarter- (typically difference retardance stability of compound zero-order quartz retarders is improved retarders cancel. of the two effects as temperature offering thicknesses precise to cleaved is mineral, natural a , Mica cleaving is difficult over trueHowever, zero-order retarders. large apertures and does not offer the necessary tolerance or long the Also, applications. most for required uniformity spatial term of optical quality mica is uncertain. supply Polymer can thereforeincidence to sensitive less much be are They madethickness. reasonable into true zero-orderangle than retarderseither multiple- ofor compound retarders. zero-order Birefringence dispersion quartz (or variation with This factor is wavelength) varies with each polymer material. an important consideration when manufacturing polymer retarders. Meadowlark Optics protects theflat windows. optically between process proprietarylamination polymer material using a This assembly provides the transmitted wavefront quality necessary optical applications. precision for Fig. 2-1 Phase retardation R [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 26 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Polarization Control withPolymers Fig. 2-3 Fig. 2-2Polymer retarder assembly retarders Fig. 2-4Wavelength performance of common quarter-wave incidence angle Half-wave retarder performance versus or www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
wavelength tolerance of wavelengthtolerance concern.Forexample, center a has laser diode off-the-shelf an key a often is changewavelength with accuracy Retardance less than1%over a±10°incidenceangle. retarders. quartz and polymer changesretarder by polymer A for angle incidence of function a as retardance in change the compares retarders.2-3 zero-order Figure true are they sincefield-of-view angularexcellent offer Polymerretarders losses. andsurfaceminimizing beamdeviation reflection quality, while wavefront transmitted excellent ensures region.infrared near 2-2) figure in (shown construction This visibleto the transmissionin maximize to help cement optical BK 7 flat windows. coatings Antireflection and index matching polished,precisiontwo between laminated material optically Our polymer retarder assembly consists of birefringent polymer Birefringent Polymers N combination ofhighperfor applications.optical unique a offer innovative These materials polymers and liquid forcrystals polarization control in precision birefringent of use the in specializes Optics Meadowlark beyondthelimitationsofthosecrystals. versatility choicefor retarders. Today’srequireapplications performance of materials birefringent the been traditionally have quartz) quotation. custom a price.forreasonable call a forPlease fabricated be Meadowlark Optics polymer retarders with large apertures can diameter.in inchestwo beyond cost-prohibitive become and fabricate to difficult are retarders quartz aperture Large for specific operating temperatures. accuracy.retarders polymer calibrate thermally Wealso can temperatureranges significantlydegradingwithout retardance moderate over operation allowing°C, per 0.04% about is retarders polymer laminated of sensitivity temperature The is shown infigure 2-4. of different retarder types and their dependence on wavelength zero-order polymer retarders shown in figure 2-2. A comparison for that as same the is retarders achromatic of construction retar excellent with retarders achromatic produce also We source wavelength. the in shifts minor with even performanceexcellent retarder maintainperformance. retarders polymer Optics Meadowlark alter maywhich wavelengthshifts cause conditions drive and Meadowlark Optics salesengineer for assistance. Custom sizes andretardances are available.Pleasecontact your aturally-occurring crystalline materials (calcite, mica and(calcite, mica materials crystalline aturally-occurring dance dance accuracy over a very broad wavelength range. Basic ± mance andcost-effectiveness. 10 nm.temperature with Changes
Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 27
etarder etarder etarder etarders Optical Isolator Optical A quarter-wave retarder is often combined with a linear polarizer to form an used optical to isolator, eliminate undesired A reflections. common application prevents unwanted reflected light from re-entering a laser cavity. Please see page 19 for a discussion of Optical Isolators. R Half-Wave Half-wave retardersflips direction polarization the retarder half-wave A arerotators. sometimes called polarizationof incoming light about the When retarder the fast axis. R Full-Wave eliminating components retarders valuable for are Full-wave unwanted polarization in Many changes an optical system. optical especially components, metal alter mirrors, the For shifts. phase unwanted introducing by state polarization elliptically becomes beam input polarized linearly a example, polarized upon reflecting off Ellipticity of a metal surface. and retarder full-wave a using by corrected accurately be can tilting it about either the fast or to slow axis, change its slightly. retardance A retarder (or waveplate) alters the polarization of light in a manner that depends on the retardance and the angle between the retarder fast axis and the input plane Examples of of the polarization. most common waveplates follow. R Quarter-Wave A quarter-wave retarder is used to convert light circular and linear polarizationIt betweenlinearly changes forms. polarized light when to the polarizedcircularly angle light, between the input polarization and the retarder fast axis is 45°. linearly In polarized figure light 2-5, is converted to right- hand circular polarized light by the quarter-wave retarder. Upon exiting the light quarter-wave polarized retarder, parallel to the slow axis is retarded by 1/4 wave relativeexit the to recombined, When axis. fast the along polarized light polarized. light is circularly this retarder orientation will convert input right- Similarly, hand circular polarized light to vertical linearly polarized of travel. a reversed direction light for angle between the retarder fast axis and the input plane of horizontal polarized to light is converted polarization is 45°, polarized linear a input rotates retarder half-wave A vertical. by twice the angle between the retarder fast axis and the 2-6. in figure as shown input plane of polarization, A half-wave retarder can also be used to change the right-circular to beam polarized left-circular a of handedness polarized, or vice conveniently used versa.to change the polarization direction A half-wave where mechanical rotation retarder of a large laser is impractical. is also
mm of the m and a quarter- mm and a quarter- ° Micro Retarders Micro . f
A half-wave retarder rotates linearly polarized linearly polarized rotates retarder A half-wave 2 by light A quarter-wave retarder converts linearly polarized polarized linearly converts retarder quarter-wave A or vice versa light, polarized circularly to light
dimensions less than 1 mm. The edges can be cut to be cut to can dimensions less than 1 mm. The edges within 15 be used to to the retarder allow edge. of a 1550 nm half-wave thickness the total material, 15 is only approximately retarder 8 mm thick. is approximately retarder wave Meadowlark Optics produces these retarders with these retarders produces Optics Meadowlark of the PolyWave the high birefringence Due to
• • PolyWave is a high birefringence polymer that enables polymer that is a high birefringence PolyWave retarders. ultra-thin with testing environmental passed rigid retarders Micro of exposure months many after in retardance no change conditions. extreme to
Fig. 2-6 Polarization Manipulation with R with Manipulation Polarization
Fig. 2-5 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 28 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers
The Stokes vector S describes light polarization as: The Stokes vectorlightpolarization Sdescribes component. the through propagated has that light polarization of the characteristics represents vector resulting the vector, and form polarization of the incident beam. Multiplying the matrix component are represented by a matrix. optical an A vector describes the of properties polarizing case,general the In simple means. by represented are form polarization that on components optical of effects the and beam light a of polarization the where calculus Jones and involveMueller system a evaluating system.optical an of states polarization Twowaysof common the analyzing and computing for exist methods Several General Analysis Polarization Analysis Example C where: where:
the horizontal) isexpressedthe horizontal) as: (in degrees) and fastarbitrary axis orientation The lightoutputS S
The Mueller matrix M for a waveplate with retardance with waveplate a for M matrix Mueller The
M = U Q V I 2 2
= totallightintensity, ≡ ≡ = = = sin(2f) cos(2f)and vertical linearly components, polarized intensity difference betweenand horizontal circular components. intensity difference betweenandleft right components oriented at±45ºand components oriented intensity difference between linearly polarized 0 1 0 0 C S 2 2 C 2 S , +S iscalculatedby: 2 , S =MS. (1-cos 2 sin 0 2 2 cos S = d d d ) U Q V I S S 2 C 2 2 -C 2 +C (1 -cos 2 sin 0 2 2 cos d d f ) (measured from www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] -S C cos 2 2 sin sin 0 d d d
d
M = you may have regarding your application. questions any with you help to happy are engineers our theory. polarization of descriptions comprehensive Also, and detailed provide 3 page on shown references The This vector represents light. circular polarized 100%right Mresults in: component Muellermatrix is: polarization incoming the to relative 45º at axis fast its with retarder quarter-wave a for representation matrix Mueller The given by: Horizontal linearly polarized input light has a Stokes vector waveincident onaquarter retarder isshown below. A simple analysis using a horizontal linearly polarized beam An Example 1 0 0 0 Multiplying the input Stokes vector S by the by S vector Stokes input the Multiplying S S = , = 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 -1 0 0 Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 29 /2 Wave Part No. No. Part ZH-100-λ λ /4 Wave Part No. No. Part λ ZQ-100-λ
(in.) 0.23 Thickness Unmounted Example Unmounted ts vailable r pa
(in.) 0.80 Clear Aperture n rmatio Info Zero Order Quartz Retarder waveplate internal internal waveplate Quartz Retarder Order Zero transmission custom y y Tolerates high temperature Tolerates High CW laser damage threshold Tip tunable retardance Good UV transmission (in.) 1.00 Diameter O STOCK ITEMS A ITEMS STOCK NO Onl Ordering Fig. 2-7 Key Benefits Key • • • • On a custom basis we provide air spaced compound zero order quartz retarders for special applications where higher damage or better threshold, UV transmission than normal is required. These retarders combine two multiple order quartz retarders The another. one to perpendicular directions axis optic their with of in retardance the is difference the of pair the retardance net these two retarders. The net retardance as is but is retarder quartz order zero trueas a as changes insensitive temperature to retarder quartz order multiple a as incidence of angle to sensitive tuning Angle pieces. quartz two the of sum the of thickness the of nearby wavelength a at use permits for adjustment retardance of the design wavelength. etarders CW at 1064 nm CW at 2 for a 10 nsec pulse at a 10 nsec pulse at for 2 1064 nm Crystal quartz, 2 pieces Crystal ± λ/300 ± λ/200 ≤ λ/10 2 J/cm ≤ 0.25% at normal incidence ≤ 0.25% at and dig 20-10 scratch sec ≤ 10 arc ± 0.005 in. 266, 308, 355, 488, 514.5, 532 and 1064 nm 2500 nm 266 to +80° C -20° C to 1 MW/cm
eflectance (per surface) eflectance ecommended Safe Operating Operating Safe ecommended ns Specificatio (at 632.8 nm over central central nm over 632.8 (at 8mm diameter) Retardance accuracy Retardance 300 nm Above 300 nm Below Distortion Wavefront Transmitted R Retarder Material Retarder
Surface Quality Surface Beam Deviation Tolerance Diameter Common Wavelengths Range Wavelength Possible Range Temperature R Limit Compound Zero Order Quartz R Quartz Order Zero Compound [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 30 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Precision Retarders Fig. 2-8Quarter-wave Precision Retarder performance Fig. 2-9Half-wave Precision Retarder performance www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] industry. You can have absolute confidence that the the that the highestaccuracy obtainable. confidence absolute calibration have measurements supplied with your retarder are of can the in You best the is industry. measurements these for metrology Our where The retardance The typically greater than97%. is Retarder Precision a of transmittance Optical coating. Precision Retarders are supplied with a broadband antireflection reference. The retarder fast axis is conveniently marked for quick and easy windows.7 polished,BK precision two between flat optically Precision Retarders consist of a birefringent polymer cemented zero-order true retarders. polymerThese all of tolerance retardance tightest and quality optical highest the have forinfraredvisiblenear the to region. PrecisionOur Retarders retarders polymer precision in specializes Optics Meadowlark • • • • • • Key Benefits center wavelength techniques thatcanmeasure retardance to ellipsometric precision developed has Optics Meadowlark ±10° over change incidence angle. retardance 1% than less expect can You performance.angular improved of advantage significant the devices,zero-order true offer are they retarders polymer Since retardance differences from theidealcase. to used thebe upon based can state polarization transmitted24 the calculate page on described calculus Mueller The half-waveretarder,and quarter- a wavelengthfor respectively. r of function a as behavior retardance the show 2-9 value.nominal their fromwavelength in vary whichsources using when important very is relationship This zero-order quartz waveplateszero-orderquartz compound than acceptanceBetter angular waveplateszero-ordercompoundquartz than costLower waveplatesquartz temperaturethan Less dependence accuracymeasurement Unequaled Excellentoff-axisperformance Truezero-orderretarders d c istheretardance at d at a wavelength a at λ c isgiven by: d
≈
d c λ ( c λ . c / λ λ that is different from the from different is that ) λ /1000. Figures 2-8 and 2-8 Figures elative Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 31
/2 Wave /2 Wave Part No. No. Part No. Part λ λ NH-050-λ NH-100-λ NH-200-λ
NHM-050-λ NHM-100-λ NHM-200-λ in nanometers in nanometers /4 Wave /4 Wave Part No. No. Part No. Part λ λ λ NQ-050-λ NQ-100-λ NQ-200-λ NQM-050-λ NQM-100-λ NQM-200-λ Please refer to page 43 for page 43 for to Please refer
Mounted (in.) (in.) 0.25 0.35 0.50 0.13 0.26 0.51 Unmounted Thickness Thickness (in.) (in.) 0.40 0.70 1.20 0.40 0.80 1.60 Clear Clear Aperture Aperture n rmatio Info PROBLEM use for retarder zero-order a compound “I purchased a good field of where I need system in an imaging of a true the field of view Do these really have view. retarder?” zero-order SOLUTION compound In fact, misconception. This is a common twice as bad as the are retarders zero-order If you made from! are they retarders multi-order use a true zero- must you field of view, need a good at Note See our Application retarder. order www.meadowlark.com. (in.) (in.) 1.00 1.00 2.00 0.50 1.00 2.00 Diameter Diameter Ordering when ordering. wavefront transmitted with improved retarders size Custom requirements Your are available. beam deviation and/or distortion for call Please also welcome. are and sizes shapes custom for a quote. retarders one and two inch diameter Optics Meadowlark Mounts. fit our Rotary conveniently more information. Please specify your center wavelength wavelength Please specify your center
tilt °
, 20 ns, visible , CW 2 2
, 20 ns, 1064 nm 2 4 J/cm 600 mJ/cm ≤ λ/350 ≤ λ/8 and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 1 arc normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at ±0.005 in. +0/-0.010 in. ±0.020 in. 50° C 20° C to 500 W/cm Birefringent Polymer Birefringent A, fine annealed BK 7 Grade 532, 632.8, 670, 780, 850, 1064 and 1550 nm 400-1800 nm (specify) λ/4 and λ/2
PROBLEM SOLUTION on tolerance our tight even exceeds 0.5 nanometers A 10 retarder. angle tuning your Try retardance! “My laser center wavelength varies by a few a few by wavelength varies center “My laser be a nearly to retarder but I need my nanometers, each for of retardance quarter-wave perfect maximum isolation. I’ll go give to wavelength in order at 0.5 spaced retarders purchase 10 if I have to broke Is there another way?”nm intervals. can change the retardance by about 1.25 nm or 0.002 about 1.25 nm or 0.002 by retardance the change can tilt to 632.8 nm. Remember at of retardance waves at likely retarder, of your axis or slow about the fast Note bench. See our Application optical your ±45° to www.meadowlark.com. at about retarders Another solution is to use 48. page a retarder, liquid crystal variable eflectance (per surface) eflectance Operating Safe ecommended etardance Accuracy etardance ns Specificatio Custom retardance values and sizes are available. Please call for a for call Please available. are sizes and values retardance Custom quote. Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Wavefront Transmitted nm) 632.8 (at Quality Surface Beam Deviation R Tolerance Diameter Mounted Unmounted Thickness Tolerance Range Temperature R Limit
Retarder Material Retarder Material Substrate Wavelengths Standard Wavelengths Custom Retardances Standard R Precision Retarders Precision [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 32 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Commercial Retarders Limit R Temperature Range Unmounted Mounted Diameter Tolerance R Beam Deviation Surface Quality (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion R Standard Retardance Custom Wavelengths Standard Wavelengths Substrate Material Retarder Material Specifications ecommended Safe Operating eflection (persurface) etardance Accuracy 500 W/cm -20° Cto +50°C +0/-0.015 in. ±0.005 in. ≤ 0.5%at normalincidence ≤ 3arc min 80-50 scratch anddig ≤ 3λ ≤ λ/50 λ/4 andλ/2 400-1800 nm(specify) 1064 and1550nm 532, 632.8,670,780,850, Commercial QualityGlass Birefringent Polymer 600 mJ/cm 4 J/cm 2 , 20ns,1064nm
2 2 , CW , 20ns,visible www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
• • Key Benefits marked. All Meadowlark Optics regions. retarders have their infraredfast axis conveniently near and visible the in wavelengths forpopularavailable arehalf-wave retarders and quarter- Both onpage 26. described as same the is 30-31. pagesconstruction on Basic described Retarders Precision our to alternative low-cost a as designed commercialuse windowsare glassand retarders quality These wavefront qualityislesscritical. waveplates. They are suitable for applications where transmitted Retarders Commercial are our most affordable line of zero-order Please specify yourcenterPlease specify wavelength Custom sizes andretardance values areavailable. Rotary Mounts. Meadowlark Optics oneandtwoinchretarders conveniently fitour ordering. Ordering Diameter Diameter 2.00 1.00 0.50 2.00 1.00 1.00 (in.) (in.) Excellent performance Economical choice Information Aperture Aperture Clear Clear 1.60 0.80 0.40 1.20 0.70 0.40 (in.) (in.) Pleaserefer to page43for details. Thickness Thickness Unmounted 0.51 0.26 0.13 0.50 0.35 0.25 (in.) (in.)
Mounted RQM-200-λ RQM-100-λ RQM-050-λ λ RQ-200-λ RQ-100-λ RQ-050-λ λ λ innanometers when Part No. Part No. /4 Wave /4 Wave RHM-200-λ RHM-100-λ RHM-050-λ RH-200-λ RH-100-λ RH-050-λ λ λ Part No. Part No. /2 Wave /2 Wave
Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 33
Unmatched off-axis performance off-axis Unmatched Standard and retarders custom wavelength and Mounted versions unmounted available performance ideal Off-axis for uncollimated light applications Key Benefits Key • • • • Meadowlark Optics now Wide offers Field the Retarders, technology. retarder polymer zero-order near in innovation latest At their Wide Fielddesign Retarderswavelength, provide a out a consistent value over wide retardance acceptance angle, to 30° or more. Standard quarter- and half-wave designs are available for common wavelengths in the visible to near infrared region. as a performance Retarder Field Wide 2-10 the shows Figure Quarter- function of incidence angle the design. for half-wave Wide Field wave Retarder performance is shown in figure 2-11. Multilayer broadband antireflection (BBAR) coatings are Note included as that standard. BBAR coating performance (orat best perform coatings these angle; incidence varieswith near) normal incidence. As with all Meadowlark Optics the retarders, fast axis is Custom retardance values are available marked. conveniently application for call Please nm. 400-1800 from wavelengths for a custom quotation. assistance or to request
etarders Quarter-wave Wide Field Retarder performance performance Wide Field Retarder Quarter-wave incidence angle performance versus versus incidence angle versus Half-wave Wide Field Retarder performance performance Retarder Field Wide Half-wave
Fig. 2-11
Fig. 2-10 Wide Field R Field Wide [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 34 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Wide FieldR Temperature Range Unmounted Mounted Diameter Tolerance At 30°incidence At normalincidence R Beam Deviation Surface Quality (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Quarter-wave Half-wave R R Standard Retardance Custom Wavelengths Standard Wavelengths Substrate Material Retarder Material Specifications eflectance (persurface) etardance Change (at 30°tilt) etardance Accuracy etarders
0° Cto 40°C +0/-0.010 in. ±0.005 in. ≤ 1.0% ≤ 0.5% ≤ 1arc min 60-40 scratch anddig ≤ λ/2 ≤ λ/200 ≤ λ/100 at thecenter ofthepart ≤ λ/250at normalincidence λ/4 andλ/2 400-1800 nm(specify) 1064 and1550nm 532, 632.8,670,780,850, BK 7Grade fineannealed A, Birefringent Polymer www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] your Meadowlark Optics salesengineer for acustom quote. Custom sizes andretardance valuesareavailable.Pleasecontact Ordering Diameter Diameter 1.50 1.00 0.50 2.00 1.00 1.00 (in.) (in.) Information Aperture Aperture Clear Clear 1.20 0.80 0.40 1.20 0.70 0.40 (in.) (in.) Thickness Thickness Unmounted 0.40 0.28 0.14 0.50 0.35 0.25 (in.) (in.) Mounted
WQM-200-λ WQM-100-λ WQM-050-λ WFQ-150-λ WFQ-100-λ WFQ-050-λ λ λ Part No. Part No. /4 Wave /4 Wave WHM-200-λ WHM-100-λ WHM-050-λ WFH-150-λ WFH-100-λ WFH-050-λ λ λ Part No. Part No. /2 Wave /2 Wave Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 35 :
QUESTION QUESTION non-standard two with Retarder Wavelength Dual a need “I Can you help wavelengths. at two non-standard retardances me?” QUESTION QUESTION two at retarder wave half) (or quarter a for need a have “I Precision the order, I do Which wavelengths. different Retarder?” or the Dual Wavelength Achromatic Retarder Answer While not all retardance and wavelength combinations combinations and wavelength While not all retardance of thousands of tens manufacture can we available, are Wavelength Dual our for combinations different sales Optics Meadowlark your contact Please Retarders. quote. and a custom assistance for engineer Low order Low field Wide angular coverage wavelength Broad Answer Dual wavelength retarders are primarily for use at two two use at primarily for are retarders Dual wavelength If the 20% apart. by separated wavelengths different one of our standard by both covered are wavelengths (please see ranges wavelength retarder achromatic Achromatic Precision for Box the Specifications a purchasing recommend 37), we on page Retarders also do custom can We Retarder. Achromatic Precision Please ranges. wavelength retarder achromatic sales engineer for Optics Meadowlark your contact quote. and a custom assistance greater is two the between difference wavelength the If we then wavelength, lower the of % 35 to 30 than contact Please Retarder. Wavelength Dual a recommend assistance for sales engineer Optics Meadowlark your Dual the required you for design can we so that all. help at any need or if you Retarder Wavelength Key Benefits Key • • • etarders ≤ λ/100 at both wavelengths ≤ λ/100 at ≤ λ/4 normal incidence ~ 4% at +0/-0.010 in. min ≤ 1 arc 0.14 in. 0.27 in. design dependant Birefringent Polymer Birefringent A, fine annealed BK 7 Grade Angle of Incidence (°) Angle of Incidence Quartz Polymer 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Dual Wavelength Field of View Dual Wavelength
0.35 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.25 0.23 0.21 0.19 0.17 0.15
Fractional Wave Retardance Wave Fractional
eflectance (per surface on (per surface eflectance etardance Accuracy etardance NEW ns Specificatio Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Wavefront Transmitted 632.8 nm) (at R only) retarders uncoated tolerance Diameter Beam Deviation Thickness Half inch diameter One inch diameter Range Temperature less than 0.5% reflection provide to coatings anti-reflection Custom your Meadowlark at both wavelengths are available. Please call a quote. sales engineer for Optics Retarder Material Retarder Material Substrate R
Dual wavelength Dual retarders wavelength can provide the same at retardance two wavelengths that are separated in wavelength by more also can They retarder. achromatic an by covered span the than provide different specified retardances at two different these Traditionally retarders have been wavelengths. made using crystal quartz and are multiorder retarders at both Our wavelengths. dual wavelength retarders use polymers They are usually much lower order and consequently instead. in have a with retardance change slower angle of incidence as that of 20% about is order the average On figure. the in shown for a comparable quartz dual wavelength Callretarder. for a quote on a custom coating on these normally uncoated The retardance retarders. tolerance is ±0.01waves at both Many wavelengths. custom combinations not listed in the Please catalog call are for available. a quote on your custom Standard unmounted sizes requirement. are 0.50 inches and 1.00 inches. Dual Wavelength R Wavelength Dual Fig. 2-12 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 36 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Dual Wavelength R Ordering Retardance Half wave Full wave Quarter wave First
brackets): information are required (withtheirsymbols in To order dualwavelength retarders, five piecesof HOW TO ORDERDUAL WAVELENGTH RETARDERS
And we have 10,000combinations! of data and the letter to “D” start itoff. The partnumberisthencreated by these five pieces
2. TheSecond (orhigher)wavelength [l 1. TheFirst (orlower) wavelength [l 3. Theretardance at thefirst wavelength [R 5. 4. nanometers nanometers b. a. where The outsidediameter, 0.50in.or1.00[ c. b. a. The retardance at thesecond wavelength [R c. b. a. where: Information Retardance Half wave Full wave Quarter Second 100 =1.00in. 050 =0.50in. F =FullWave Retardance H =HalfWave Retardance Q =Quarter Wave Retardance F =FullWave Retardance H =HalfWave Retardance Q =Quarter Wave Retardance wave Available Combinations D R 1 Diameter R
1.00 0.50 (in.) 2 –Dl Wavelength 1064.1 nm 1 632.8 nm 514.5 nm /l etarders 976 nm 780 nm 488 nm First 2 1 ] in 2 ] in Wavelength www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] 1064.1 nm 1 632.8 nm 514.5 nm ], 976 nm 780 nm 488 nm Second D] 2 ] part number. Please note thatthedecimalisnotincludedin DQQ –1000514/1064 is then: outside diameter is1.00 inches.Thepartnumber quarter wave ofretardance at 1064.1nm.The quarter wave ofretardance at 514.5nmanda A dualwavelength retarder isrequested witha Example 2: DFH –0500488/0976 0.50 in.Thepartnumberisthen: retardance at 976nm.Theoutsidediameter is wave ofretardance at 488nmandahalfwave of A dualwavelength retarder isrequested withafull Example 1: Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 37
/2 Wave /2 Wave Part No. No. Part No. Part λ λ AH-050-λ AH-100-λ AHM-050-λ AHM-100-λ , 10 ns, visible , 10 ns,, 1064 nm , CW 2 2 2
485 - 630 555 - 730 630 - 835 735 - 985 920 - 1240 1200 - 1650 /4 Wave /4 Wave Part No. No. Part No. Part (nm) Range Operating λ λ AQ-050-λ AQ-100-λ AQM-050-λ AQM-100-λ 500 mJ/cm 300 mJ/cm λ/4 and λ/2 ≤ λ/100 ≤ λ/4 and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 1 arc normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at ±0.005 in. +0/-0.010 in. ±0.020 in. +50° C -20° C to 500 W/cm Birefringent Polymer Stack Polymer Birefringent A, fine BK 7 Grade annealed
(in.) (in.) 0.14 0.28 0.25 0.35 Mounted Unmounted Thickness Thickness
(in.) (in.) 545 630 720 840 0.40 0.80 0.40 0.70 Clear Clear 1060 1400 Aperture Aperture n rmatio Info Broad spectral range range spectral Broad of view Superior field Standard Wavelength (nm) Wavelength Standard (in.) (in.) 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 etardance Accuracy etardance (per surface) eflectance Operating Safe ecommended Diameter Diameter s n Specificatio Retardance R Wavefront Transmitted 632.8 nm) (at Distortion Quality Surface Beam Deviation R Tolerance Diameter Mounted Unmounted Thickness Tolerance Range Temperature R Limit Retarder Material Retarder Material Substrate Ordering Please include the standard wavelength λ in nanometers when λ in nanometers wavelength standard include the Please specified be wavelengths can or center sizes Custom ordering. for your application. your for your Meadowlark Please contact are available. sizes Custom for assistance. sales engineer Optics Key Benefits Key • • etarders /100 for all wavelengths in wavelengths all for /100 λ Half-wave Achromatic Retarder performance Retarder Achromatic Half-wave Quarter-wave Achromatic Retarder performance Retarder Achromatic Quarter-wave
Fig. 2-14 Fig. 2-13 the operating range. Achromatic Achromatic retarders the are operating an range. excellent use. applications requiring wavelength broad for choice Our Precision Achromatic Retarders consist of carefully aligned carefully of consist Retarders Achromatic Precision Our birefringent polymersimilar quite is Assembly sheetswindows. flat7 BK optically laminatedpolished, between precision Retarders. of our Precision to the assembly Retarder Precision the from slightly varies transmittance Optical because several polymer layers are used Achromatic in each Retarder. to accurate retardance provide We
Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics Precision Achromatic Retarders are designed to provide a nearly constant retardance over a broad are devices half-wave and quarter- Standard region. wavelength available for common wavelength regions in the visible and near infrared. Precision Achromatic R Achromatic Precision [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 38 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Fig. 2-15 Bi-Crystalline Achromatic R 0.245 0.250 0.265 0.235 0.240 0.255 0.260
Retarder performance Quarter-Wave Bi-Crystalline Achromatic www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] etarders Fig. 2-16 • • • Key Benefits design thatcanbeyoursolution. polarization Achromat and a large field of view, call us. We have a proprietary exceed 1.5°. If you must have the performance of a Bi-Crystalline angles incidence whose rays for accuracy retardance their to compared narrow is polymerview achromats. of Typically,field they cannot be expected Their to meet temperatures. with can and achromats polymer our than capability handling power higher haveIR. They visible,the the excelin in achromats polymerthey our but to Bi-Crystalline Achromats are similar in achromatic performance are available onrequest. designs with larger achromatic ranges or deeper UV wavelengths a retardancewithin valuea of wavelengths. The useable wavelength range is defined to give give a nearly constant retardance (in waves) over a broad range to balanced thicknesses,waveplate is of dispersion retardance waveplate.zero-ordereffectivechoice carefulan givea to By other magnesium fluoride, are combined in a subtractive mode the and quartz crystalline of retarders,made one crystalline spectrum. the Twomulti-order of portions IR and IR near UV,the span that retardersachromatichalf-wave and visible, quarter- of selection a offer to pleased is Optics Meadowlark
Retardation (waves) Superior IRperformance Volume pricing High damage threshold 0.495 0.485 0.490 0.500 0.510 0.505 0.515
Retarder performance Half-Wave Bi-Crystalline Achromatic 400 500 600 λ /100 of the nominal value.nominal the of /100 Custom 700 800 900 tn hge storage higher stand 1000 2000 Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 39 /2 Wave CH-050 Part No. No. Part λ CHM-050 /4 Wave CQ-050 Part No. No. Part λ CQM-050 Mounted Unmounted n (in.) 0.40 0.40 matio r Clear Aperture Clear Aperture fo In g n i r (in.) 0.50 1.00 de Diameter Or We offer standard Bi-Crystalline Achromatic Retarders to cover 4 cover to Achromatic Retarders Bi-Crystalline standard offer We NIR, IR. VIS, Please (see graph): UV, regions of the spectrum specify region when placing your order. wavelength etarders 412-475 nm 500-650 nm 600-840 nm 1190-1660 nm , 10 ns, 1064 nm 2
Quartz and Magnesium Quartz and Fluoride λ/4 or λ/2 wavelength over ≤ λ/100 range < λ/500 per °C 395-465 nm 475-590 nm 600-900 nm 690-2050nm ≤ λ/4 normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 1 arc +75° C -40° C to 2 J/cm Quarter Wave Half Wave Half Wave Quarter
etardance Accuracy etardance (per surface) eflectance s n Specificatio Materials Materials
Retardance R of Coefficient Temperature Retardance Range Wavelength Ultraviolet Visible Near Infrared Infrared Distortion Wavefront Transmitted nm) 632.8 (at R Quality Surface Beam Deviation Range Storage Temperature Safe Recommended Limit Operating Bi-Crystalline Achromatic R Achromatic Bi-Crystalline [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 40 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers at-a-glance review ofstandard retarders. an provides Chart Selection Retarder Our size. aperture temperaturesensitivity, angle,acceptance and time response considered. wavelengthdependence,featuresinclude These retarder,a selecting When be featuresmust performance key Retarder Selection R Liquid Crystal Variable Bi-Crystalline Achromatic Precision Achromatic Compound Zero Order Quartz Dual Wavelength Wide Field Commercial Precision Retarder Type etarder SelectionChart standard products Page 48 38 37 29 35 33 32 30 custom options • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • custom retardance ranges available electrically controlled retardance unmatched versatility optic axis independent of wavelength excellent broadband operation high power handling capability superior infrared performance custom wavelength ranges available excellent broadband operation industry-leading design tip tunable retardance high CWlaserdamage threshold tolerates hightemperature broad wavelength coverage wide angularfield low order standard andcustom wavelength versions ideal for uncollimated light applications unmatched on-axis performance insensitive to small wavelength variations most economical retarder choice insensitive to small wavelength variations large, custom clearapertures available most popularretarder type www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Product Features
process of selectingaretarder. the in you assist to happy are engineers Optics Meadowlark measurements retarder for we every ship. calibration accurate extremely with you provide techniques measurement proprietary Our companies. commercial among metrology retarder in leader a is Optics Meadowlark
500 500 100015002000 Wavelength Range 1000 1500 2000
500 100015002000 Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 41 high than
control for
cost 0.80 0.80 0.40 1.60
nonstandard
(diameter) 0.40, 0.80 0.80, 1.20 0.80, 1.20 0.80, 1.20 0.37, 0.70 in 0.40, 0.70, 0.40, 0.70, 0.40, 0.70, 0.40, 0.70, 0.40, 0.70,
in
Clear Aperture continuous preferred
lower
are retarders
are
± 5° ± 1° ± 5° ± 1° real-time, ± 10° ± 10° ± 30° Angle crystal
± 2° to 10° ± 2° to Acceptance applied voltage) offer retarders (dependent upon (dependent
retarders
liquid
and
quartz
retarders polymer
polymer
Polarizer and Retarder kits available, see page 42. see page kits available, and Retarder Polarizer Crystal 3λ λ/4 λ/4 λ/4 λ/5 λ/2 λ/4 λ/4 offer
power power laser applications and can be designed for dual- operation. wavelength Multiple-order of retardance with no moving parts. with no moving of retardance compound zero-order quartz retarders. zero-order compound Liquid Zero-order sizes and for custom wavelengths and retarder values. and retarder custom wavelengths sizes and for We • • • • (maximum at 632.8 mn) at (maximum Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Wavefront Transmitted change
polymer
using
1 arc min 1 arc 1 arc min 1 arc 1 arc min 1 arc min 3 arc min 1 arc 1 arc min 1 arc 2 arc min 2 arc 10 arc sec 10 arc (maximum) wavelength Beam Deviation
to
effective
cost
sensitive
~ 4% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% are 0.25%
less
Reflectance are
(maximum per surface) (maximum apertures
retard- lower much retarders offer our achromatic retarders
clear
± λ/50 ± λ/300 ± λ/200 ± λ/100 ± λ/350 ± λ/250 ± λ/100 ± λ/100 ± λ/500 Accuracy resolution
Retardance
tunable with etarder Selection Chart Selection etarder Below 300 nm: Below Above 300 nm: 300 Above Polymer retarders offer much better field of view than either than view of field better much retardersoffer Polymer multiple-order or compound zero-order quartz retarders 26). pg. 2-4, (Figure Large retarders. Polymer than multiple-order quartz retarders (Figure 2-4, pg. 26). pg. 2-4, quartzthan multiple-order retarders (Figure By design, ance variation with wavelength than any other birefringent other birefringent than any ance variation wavelength with 26) pg. 2-4, (Figure retarder • • •
• R [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 42 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Polarizer/R Fig. 2-17 For retarder specifications pleaserefer to page31. For polarizer specifications pleaserefer to page7. NEW
light to circularly polarized light, orviceversa A quarter-wave retarder converts linearly polarized etarder Sets ° www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
mounted inablack anodizedaluminum ring. is component box.Each wooden protective a in packaged diameter,1" light.areare and 0.7”parts aperture The clear retarder at 45 degrees can be used to make circularly polarized quarter-wavecreated. a with example,For polarizer linear a of variety a different polarization states can be accurately and reproduciblycombinations, different using By polarizer. the described on pages 30-31 within the same wavelength range as NIR1 or NIR2 linear polarizer and several precision retarders as Meadowlark Optics Polarizer/Retarder sets include either a VIS, • • Key Benefits PRS3 sets includeapolarizer andthree retarders. PRS1 sets includeapolarizer andoneretarder. NIR2: 800-1700nm NIR1: 650-850nm VIS: 400-700nm able over thefollowing regions: when ordering.Halfwaveandquarter waveretarders areavail- yourwavelength(s)λinnanometersPlease specify PRS5 sets includeapolarizer andfive retarders Or NIR2 Polarizer/Retarder Set NIR1 Polarizer/Retarder Set NIR2 Polarizer/Retarder Set NIR1 Polarizer/Retarder Set NIR2 Polarizer/Retarder Set NIR1 Polarizer/Retarder Set de Precise components Convenient box set VIS Polarizer/Retarder Set VIS Polarizer/Retarder Set VIS Polarizer/Retarder Set r i n g In Item fo r matio n n PRS5-NIR2-λ PRS5-NIR1-λ PRS5-VIS-λ PRS3-NIR2-λ PRS3-NIR1-λ PRS3-VIS-λ Part Number PRS1-NIR2-λ PRS1-NIR1-λ PRS1-VIS-λ 1 / λ 1 1 / λ / λ . 2 1 / λ / λ 2 2 1 1 / λ / λ / λ / λ 3 2 / λ / λ 3 3 2 2 / λ / λ / λ / λ 4 3 / λ 4 4 3 3 / λ / λ 5 5 5
Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware LiquidDrive Crystal Electronics Devices Controllers 43
Part ase RM701 RM702 Number B d n
a
TS MPB-1 N ost (in.) 1.09 1.63 Part Number Part Height P
g n MOU ti RY n 0.500 ±0.004 in. 5.500 ±0.010 in. 3.00 in. holes on 0.25 in. through diameter 2.00 in. bolt circle ou OTA (in.) 0.61 0.63 R Thickness n - n - M matio matio r r
2.22 3.30 Outside fo fo Diameter Item In In g g n n i i
r r Holds standard size optics size Holds standard of use Ease now Available 1.00 2.00 de
de Inside Height Height Hole Pattern Mounting Post and Base Set Post Mounting Diameter Or Or ns Specificatio Mounting Post Dimensions Post Mounting Diameter Length Base Dimensions Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics Rotary Mounts provide fine angular adjustment often required in polarization control applications. A threaded retaining ring holds mounted optical components in place. Full Angular 360° rotation is possible using the knurled edge. increments. 2° with scale, graduated the on indicated is position Two precision bearings provide smooth A threaded locking screw secures your component rotationback-lash. with zero in position. diameter inch two or one either for available, are versions Two mounting post is included. inch A two parts. Set and Base Post Mounting Meadowlark Optics standard liquid crystal devices are mounted are crystaldevices liquid standard Optics Meadowlark in a black anodized aluminum housing, tapped with an 8-32Our Mounting and Post Base hole. Set is designed to mate the liquid crystal housing with standard optical table and threaded thumbscrew A knurled, breadboard hole patterns. and Simple height. desired the at component optical your locks is also provided. angular adjustment convenient Key Benefits Key • • •
Rotary Mount dimensions Mount Fig. 3-1 Rotary Rotary Mounts Rotary [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal
44 Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Controllers Fig. 3-332mmmount 3-axis stage (tip,tiltand rotation) Beamsplitter CubeMounts Fig. 3-210mmmount 3-axis stage (tip,tiltand rotation) Fig. 3-5BCM-M25prism axis NEW 3 counterboredclearance holes: M2 on20mmspacing M2 on20mmcenters 3 holes:
Liquid Crystal Devices Top View www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] 35 mm B 12.5 mm • • Key Benefits in size. mm 32 to up polarizers beamsplitting of positioning precision allows which mounts beamsplitter provides Meadowlark Fig. 3-4BCM-M40prismaxis Specifications 25.0 65.0 A A A B Ease ofuse Holds standard size optics 20.0 50.8 B Dimensions (mm) Top View 10.0 40.0 B A C
Side View 16.0 35.0 D hole counterbored 1 / 4 -20 122.0 36.0 E 8-32 Max Prism D C 10 mm 32 mm Side View Size 20 mm Max E BCM-M10 BCM-M32 Number Part C D Max E Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 45
otators etarders, see page 56 see page etarders, etarder is the fundamental is the fundamental etarder etarders Variable Attenuators and R Attenuators Variable Variable Beamsplitters Variable Modulators Light Spatial Beam Steerers Compensators Optical Polarimeters Filters Tunable Variable Variable Retarder and Figure electronic4-1 controller.
EW from Meadowlark Optics Meadowlark NEW from R Variable Liquid Crystal Swift A Liquid Crystal Variable R Variable A Liquid Crystal and systems. devices used in the following component • • • • Shutters non-Mechanical • • • • NEW shows a variety of output polarization forms achieved with a single device. Pure phase modulation is accomplished by a to parallel crystalretarder liquid the of axis optic the aligning polarized input beam. linearly Variable attenuators with no mechanical rotation are configured by placing a Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder between crossed polarizers.CrystalLiquid the combining by achieved be easily can rotation Full 180° linear polarization quarter with a fixed Retarder waveplate. Variable Spatial Light Modulators consist of individually controllable These devices are used in a variety of intensity pixels. and/or phase control applications where spatial variation is required. Please to refer the Spatial Light Modulator section for details products. on these innovative and specifications Liquid crystal retarders can offer outstanding performance over over performance outstanding offer can crystalretarders Liquid large incidence angles. Material cavity thickness type, and the determining in role large a play voltage operating especially input angle. acceptable Phase control or modulation is possible for light linearly effective the of control Electrical axis. fast the to 45° polarized phase optical an of tuning precision allows index extraordinary in the propagating beam. delay Liquid Crystal Variable R Variable Liquid Crystal Retarders Meadowlark Optics provide Variable Liquid Crystal These true zero-order precise solid-state retardance tunability. performance excellent offering engineered, precision are devices in the visible to near combined our with Liquid other Crystal optical components, infrared wavelength attenuation, controllable electrically produce Retarders ranges.Variable When or phase modulation. linear polarization rotation, range Continuous tuning a of broad retarderswavelength over This added versatility makes applications. many for is required real-time polarization conversion possible with a single Liquid Crystal Output State /2 /4 l /4 /2 < l l d < l < = 0 = d = = d d d /4 < 0 < Retardance l 7 4 2 ∼ ∼ ∼ Output polarization forms for different retardance retardance for different forms Output polarization with retarder variable a compensated of values input linearly polarized horizontal V V V Voltage 4 < V < 7 2 < V < 4
Retardances greater than half-wave can be achieved by using crystallayer liquid increased and/or materials birefringent high of liquid crystal Birefringence materials at decreases thickness. for design and evaluation proper requiring wavelengths, longer performance. optimum Retarders Meadowlark Optics are Variable Liquid used Crystal While these throughout the visible and near infrared region. liquid crystal retarders are affected by temperature and they can be calibrated to wavelength changes, accommodate Retarder is Variable versatile The resulting those differences. across a considerable thermal environment and significant range. wavelength Liquid CrystalVariable Retarders are solid real-time, state, Nematic liquid crystalscontinuously tunable waveplates. are birefringent materials whose effective birefringence can be by varying voltage. an applied changed Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Retarders are constructed optically using flat precision polished, fused silica windows The cavity is filled with spaced a nematic microns few apart. liquid crystal material and This sealed. assembly deviation ensures beam low and quality wavefront transmitted excellent demanding applications. many for required The long axis of the liquid crystal molecules defines the the With no voltage present, extraordinary (or slow) index. retardance maximum and windows the to parallel lie molecules When is voltage applied across the liquid crystal is obtained. the molecules tip toward the layer, direction of the applied the effective birefringence As increases, voltage electric field. 4.6. See Figure retardance. in causing a reduction decreases,
Fig. 4-1 Polarization Control with Liquid Crystals Liquid with Control Polarization [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 46 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Custom LiquidCrystal Capabilities either parallel orperpendiculartoit. is but light the to angle arbitrary an at not is molecules crystal liquid the of axis optical the where situation a in used being of view is wide when compared to an LCVR because the cell is concern not need tolerances.you tight exactvoltagesor with yourself so Also,field the rotation, 90° gives V) ~1 (below voltagelow voltage~10 (aboveand rotationHigh 0° gives V) scheme. driving the of simplicity the is LCVR an over device nematic twisted the of advantagesolution. excellentbig A an is device 90°, twisted-nematic and angles,a 0° example for If you desire to switch the state polarization between only two a optical digital switch, only two states are frequently required. system,optical an of states polarization linear or, of case the in orthogonal two producing in interested only often is One Twisted Nematic LiquidCrystal Cell us tocreate new, exciting solutionsfor control. polarization challengewill that ideas new with customers our provide will customers.our for solutions belowWe information the hope At Meadowlark Optics we never cease working on polarization applications where astandard LCVRmightnotbeappropriate. Device (TN) provides our with customers potential for custom extremelyare useful.that The Crystal TwistedLiquid Nematic waysother in Crystals Liquid weutilize to have also ability the Crystal VariableRetarder, Rotator,Polarization and Attenuator Liquid the as products standard our list typically we While on ourwebsite atwww.meadowlark.com. Retarders”, Crystal availableLiquid is Using which Polarimetry note “Stokesapplication the in described is LCVRs of use symmetric and approximately 150 microseconds. An advanced ,technology LC are switchingSwift speeds newthe our With compensator) to over half- wave in the order of 10 milliseconds. adjustable from nearly zero waves (or less than with an optional electronically retarders.are They crystalline standard and Just one of these devices can replace an entire series of polymer products Crystal Liquid the is crystal VariableRetarder (LCVR). liquid of line Optics Meadowlark of block building basic A Liquid Crystal Variable R etarders www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] seconds toswitch. parallel overpolarizers) the entire visible range can take several to operate achromatically (for example to transmit <1% between minimum condition might switch in 10 to 50 ms, one designed first the in wavelength particular a at operating cell a while generally,thickness.the quadraticallywith dropsthickness; speed cell Thus, the of function strong a is LC an of speed the first minimum?” The simple answer is speed. The switching One might ask, given the achromaticity of thicker cells “why decreasing use or thickness wavelength.increasing as viewed be can axis minimum”on.so and plot,this In moving horizontal the along the called is minimum transmission next“secondhighest The the termed minimum” used.typically“first is position this and where d is the thickness of the cell,the birefrin of the thickness is the b is d where between parallel polarizers tobeafunctionofthevariable, between parallel polarizers (normalized transmission the shows 4-2,which figure in illustrated is concept This rotation characteristic isretained. cell,pure the the of thickness the and crystal liquid the of for certain discrete wavelengths, depending on the birefringence polarized light, but rotated elliptically polarized light.linearly rotated However,of output an longer no is light polarized rotator.pure linearlya inputting as of act resultlonger The as sufficiently gentle. When this is not the case, the cell will no wavelengths, which are short enough for the twist to be viewed all for angle twist the to equal is angle rotation polarization achromatic. quite The is rotation its limit”and “Mauguin the in operating be to said is cell molecules.a Such crystal liquid the light,of twist followsimplythe will polarization the the wavelengthof the to comparedgentle when is twist the If of thepolarization. voltage, however, the twist does affect the light, light.causingthe affect not rotation thereforedoes and birefringencelow At theremoves and field the with molecules the (~10 aligns V) 90°.twisted is molecules LCVR, an in crystal voltageAs high liquid the of alignment exceptthe LCVR standard a as manner A twisted nematic cell liquid is in crystal constructed the same λ is the wavelength. Where the curve first goes to zero is zero to goes first curve wavelength.the the Where is NEW Swift Liquid Crystal Variable R NEW from Meadowlark Optics U =2d(b/ to 1), of a 90° twisted nematic cell nematic 1),twisted to 90° a of λ etarders, seepage 56 ), genceand Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 47
Up to 50,000:1 for linear 50,000:1 for Up to light monochromatic polarized 100 mm 1 mm to (or phase delay) 0 to 10,000 nm. 10,000 0 to delay) (or phase to several seconds several 50 ms to 350 nm-2.2 microns Liquid crystal cell thickness changes cell thickness Liquid crystal 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
0 0.1 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02 Custom sizes are available. Please contact your Meadowlark Op- your Meadowlark are available. Please contact sizes Custom for assistance. tics sales engineer ns Specificatio Clear Aperture Retardances Extinction Ratio Liquid crystal design space Liquid crystal Speed Switching Range Wavelength Fig. 4-3 Figure 4-4 shows the high contrasts of several thousands to one, one, to thousands several of contrasts high the shows 4-4 Figure which can be in achieved practice with twisted nematic cells. between taken was Contrast” Black “Normally termedcurve The high and state dark a gives voltage low polarizerswhere parallel White “Normally curveThe termed brighta yields state. voltage was taken between perpendicular polarizers where Contrast” state occursthe dark at high voltage.
Normally Black Black Normally Contrast Normally White White Normally Contrast 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Contrast ratio for a twisted nematic liquid nematic for a twisted ratio Contrast crystal cell crystal
wavelength Transmission of a twisted-nematic cell between cell between twisted-nematic of a 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 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02 10
10 10
100
1000
Transmission Contrast Ratio Contrast Fig. 4-4
Custom Liquid Crystal Capabilities Crystal Liquid Custom
Fig. 4-2 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 48 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers axes areaxes bothat45°relative toaconvenient mountinghole. slow and fast the that such housing aluminum anodized an in sealed. Crystal WeLiquid Variablethe Retarderplace carefully Electrical contacts are attached and the device is environmentally cavity is filled with birefringent material. nematic liquid crystal fewapart.a microns spaced carefullyand aligned then are The to provide for liquid molecular crystal alignment. Two windows A thin dielectric layer is applied over the ITO and gently rubbed, 450 -1800nm(seeFigure 4.5). from transmission maximumfor designed specially is coating ITO(ITO). Our Oxide Indium Tin conductive transparent our with coated windows silica fused flat optically using assemblysteps.and fabrication Weretarders these construct Crystal Liquid precision Our Variablerequireunique Retarders linear orcircular polarization. elliptical,chosenany to light polarized input the altering thus the effective birefringence of the material with applied voltage, to liquid crystal products provide tunable retardation materials by changing crystal liquid polarization.controlstandard electrically Optics Meadowlark nematic use all products These Fig. 4-5 Liquid Crystal Variable R crystal device Typical transmission through anuncoated liquid etarders www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] distributed as shown in figure 4-6(a).figure in shown as distributed randomlyparallel, axes centers long their their with with but that,is average,material on nematic of aligned are molecules birefringent layers in the liquid cell.crystal An essential feature uniaxial form molecules crystal liquid nematic Anisotropic per ºC). -0.4% (approximatelytemperature increasing with decreases temperature.and cell overallThe retardancecrystal liquid a of wavelength,operating on depends birefringence voltagedrive material crystal Liquid birefringence. and thickness As with any anisotropic material, retardance is dependent upon control. electronic convenientattenuator, with optical an excellent creates polarizers extinction high two between Retarder compensator.Crystal Liquid Variablecompensated a Placing attached an without and with Retarder Variable Crystal illustrates converting retardance as a 4-8 function of voltage forFigure states.a typical Liquid when polarized example, left-circularly and for right- a between preferred, with sometimes are retardance cell. custom) valuesretardancecrystal Negative liquid the to attached any (or compensator,retarder,a polymer called fixed subtractive zero achieve We Fig. 4-6 voltage (20volts). high at even nm ~30 of retardance residual a causes pinning layer.alignment the at pinned are they because surface This surface,the at Molecules however, freelyrotate to unable are effectivethe birefringencehence,reductionin and retardance. a causing further tip molecules increases, voltage As 4-6(b). figure in shown as windows silica fused the to perpendicular tip to begin molecules crystal applied, liquid is voltage When and maximum retardation isachieved. substrates glass the to parallel lie molecules crystal liquid the 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
With no voltageapplied,no With applied voltage tipped with LC Molecules Alignment Layer Fused Silica Spacer LC Molecules ITO
Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 49
layer. At higher layer.
ral response of response ral ww.meadowlark.com. ANSWER on tempo Note See our Application w at devices liquid crystal QUESTION “The device of a liquid-crystal response temporal I find some Where can seems very complicated. clarification?” esponse Time esponse R Liquid CrystalVariable Retarder response time several parameters, including depends layer thickness, viscosity, on variations in drive and voltage surface temperature, treatment. Liquid crystal response time is proportional to the square of the the layer thickness square and of therefore, the total retardance. Response time also depends upon direction of the retardance determined is time response increases, retardance the If change. retardance If molecules. the of relaxation mechanical by solely decreases response in time value, is much faster due to the Typical increased electric field across the liquid crystal layer. response time for our standard Variable visible Liquid Crystal It abouttakes 5 ms to switch 4-7b. in figure is shown Retarder 20 about and voltage) high to (low waves zero to one-half from voltage). to low (high to one-half wave zero from ms to switch Response time byimproves using custom materials with high birefringence and a thinner liquid crystal a to contributing also decreases, viscosity material temperature, for 56 page see applications, critical speed For response. faster Swift LC devices. (TNE) Effect Nematic Transient the involves technique Another to With this improve response a drive times. high method, spike voltage is applied to accelerate the molecular alignment is then reduced to achieve Voltage parallel to the applied field. the When desired switching from retardance. low to high retardance all voltage is momentarily removed to allow the Response relaxation. natural undergo to crystalmolecules liquid is also shown nematic effect with the transient time achieved on described Interface Digital Channel Four Our 4-7c. figure in TNE voltage pages provides 60-61 the conveniently necessary profiles. Our standard Liquid Crystal minimum of retardance range ~30 nm to at least at half-wave Variable Retarders providethe With specified an wavelength. attached compensator, a half-wave least at to zero from range to guaranteed is retardance Custom at retardance (up ranges the to specified wavelength. Contact and custom compensatorswaves) a few available. are our Sales Department requirements. to discuss your retardance with supplied is Retarder Variable CrystalLiquid Each wavelength. specified your for data performance voltage versus A coaxial cable with mating connector is provided for easy controllers. to one of our electronic attachment etarders
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 (b) with compensator Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder performance performance Retarder Variable Liquid Crystal 632.8 nm, 21° C. at applied voltage versus and (a) without compensator
b) a)
Temporal response of LC Variable Retarder Variable of LC response Fig.4-7 Temporal
Fig.4-8 Liquid Crystal Variable R Variable Crystal Liquid [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 50 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Fig. 4-9
Liquid Crystal Variable R approximately 0.2%to0.3%per its clear aperture. Without this option, retardance decreases by substrate,LCVR outside the to directly attached is sensor The temperature.operating the of controlling accurate met. for LCVRs are requirements drive these A temperature sensing and control option can be added to our ensure 59-61 described pages (LCVR). Interface on Channel Retarders Four and Variable for Controller Basic amplitude Crystal Our adjustable We Liquid of layer. our wave square crystal controlling kHz liquid 2 the a damagerequire ionic can prevent with which to driven component buildup DC electrically no with be waveform AC should an devices crystal Liquid Operating Limit Recommended Safe Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance R Beam Deviation Surface Quality Distortion (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Withcompensator Withoutcompensator R Wavelength Range Substrate Material Retarder Material Specifications eflectance (persurface) etardance Range Model LVR-100 dimensions All dimensionsininches ° C increase intemperature. 500 W/cm 0° Cto 50°C ± 0.005in. ≤ 2arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ λ/4 custom ranges are available 0 to λ/2 ~30 nmto λ/2 450-1800 nm(specify) fused silica Optical qualitysynthetic Nematic liquidcrystal ≤ 0.5%at normal incidence 300 mJ/cm
2 2 , CW , 10ns,visible
etarders www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
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 liquidcrystal variable retarders to cover Or de Precision non-mechanical retardation control Usable from 450to 1800nm Temperature control options Computer control capability r Diameter, i
n D (in.) All dimensionsininches Models LVR-200 andLVR-300 dimensions 1.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 g Without Attached Compensator (30nmto λ/2) In With Attached Compensator (0nmtoλ/2) fo r matio n n Aperture, CA IR 3:1200-1700nm IR 1:650-950nm Clear 0.37 1.60 0.70 0.37 0.70 1.60 (in.) Thickness t (in.) 1.23 1.00 0.75 1.23 0.75 1.00
LRC -100 LRC -200 LRC -300 LVR -300 LVR -200 LVR -100 Number
Part Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 51 (in degrees) for crossed for degrees) (in θ max )] T )] ) = 1/2 [1 - cos(θ is the maximum transmittance when retardance is Unpolarized Transmittance as a function of Transmittance Unpolarized optimized Attenuator, Variable LC for wavelength input and unpolarized 550 nm, with polarizers for
T(θ max High contrast ratio High contrast capability control Computer intensity of light control Continuous Fig. 4-13 Benefits Key • • • Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal (LC) Variable Attenuator offersAttenuator Variable Optics Liquid CrystalMeadowlark (LC) Our attenuator continuous control of light real-time, intensity. Retarder (with consists Variable attached compensator) of an LC linear polarizers.crossed between operating With crossed light polarizers, transmission is maximized by from retardance half-wave achieve to voltage correct the applying the LC cell as Half-wave operation shown rotates in figure 4-11. passed is light that so by90°, polarizationdirection incoming the Minimum is transmission obtained with by the second polarizer. waves. of) (or a whole number at zero operating the retarder Transmission decreases as the AC applied voltage amplitude increases (half- to zero-waves retardance and T transmittance between retardance). The relationship polarizer configuration is given by: polarizer is given configuration T where transmittance shows 4-12 Figure 180º). (or wave one-half exactly as a function of applied voltage. Maximum transmission is dependent upon properties of the LC Retarder as well as Variable the polarizers used in your system. Attenuator Figure 4-13 shows the Variable transmission of an LC optimized for use at 550 nm with crossed An polarizers. illumination. unpolarized is used for light source (obtained transmission as the maximum is defined ratio Contrast bydivided minimum the operation) half-wave at cell LC the with Values waves). (obtained with the LC cell at zero transmission a single be obtained for 4-14) can 1000:1 (see figure exceeding for levels by optimizing the applied voltage wavelength a minimum guarantee We transmission. and maximum minimum wavelength. specified your of 500:1 at ratio contrast
Linear Linear Output Polarized
Exit Polarizer s ˚ 45 Variable Retarder f Compensated Liquid Crystal Polarizer Entrance Normalized transmittance of Liquid Crystal of Liquid Crystal transmittance Normalized Variable Attenuator with crossed linear with crossed Attenuator Variable a single wavelength at polarizers uses crossed linear polarizers uses crossed Standard Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuator design Attenuator Variable Liquid Crystal Standard
Input
Unpolarized Fig. 4-12
Fig. 4-11 Liquid Crystal Variable Attenuators Variable Crystal Liquid [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [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 59-61 offer the precision waveformsto obtain necessary on described Interface FourChannel and Controller Basic Our polarizers. utilizing available of selection fora Polarizers on section the see Please applications, infrared manufactured.be also polarizers, near can dichroic appropriate for devices Custom Variable are combinedwiththree Retarders polarizers. attenuators.doubledesign, custom this In Crystal Liquid two ratios,contrast high 5000:1,excessof with achievedin be can wavelengths.most at 90% exceed values Verytransmittance polarizer, calcite a a and beam With input threshold. polarized damage linearly increase and transmittance light to maximize calcite high or efficiency beamsplitting polarizers withCrystal Variableconfigured Liquid be A can Attenuator Contrast Ratio 10,000 1,000
100 Attenuator optimized at550nm Typical Contrast Ratio ofaLiquidCrystal Variable 10 www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Please specify operatingwavelength Please specify placing yourorder. Or R Beam Deviation Surface Quality (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Distortion Contrast Ratio NearInfared 2 NearInfared 1 Visible Wavelength Range Substrate Material Polarizer Material Retarder Material R Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance Custom sizes areavailable. Specifications ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface) de Diameter, r D (in.) i n 3.00 2.00 1.00
g In fo r matio Aperture,CA n n Clear 1.60 0.70 0.37 (in.) λ innanometers when ≤ 2arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ λ/4(eachcomponent) 500:1 at singlewavelength 900-1550 nm 700-900 nm 450-700 nm fused silica Optical qualitysynthetic Dichroic polymer Birefringent polymer Nematic liquidcrystal with 1 W/cm ≤ 0.5%at normalincidence 0° Cto +50°C ±0.005 in. polarizers) Thickness t (in.) 1.00 0.75 1.23 2 , CW(withdichroic
LVA -300-λ LVA -200-λ LVA -100-λ Number Part
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 Key Benefits Key • • • • • Polarization purity is defined as the ratio of the rotated linear A selected rotation component to the orthogonal component. is very sensitive to applied and voltage operating temperature. than better is ratio) contrast (or puritypolarization average, On 150:1. We provide test data including the required voltages approximately from orientationspolarization to corresponding These -40° to approximately 140° rotation in 10° increments. specified your for temperature room at taken are measurements wavelength. Standard Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotators are supplied be must direction polarization Input polarizer. input an without Please call aligned precisely if for optimum you performance. an input polarizer. require otators
Operation of Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator showing complete rotation of a linearly polarized input beam of a linearly polarized rotation complete showing Rotator Polarization Crystal of Liquid Operation
A quarter-wave retarder converts elliptical polarization converts formed retarder A quarter-wave to linear polarization. Retarder Variable by the Liquid Crystal change retardance angle is equal to one-half the The rotation Retarder. Variable the Liquid Crystalfrom Response time depends upon the desired amount of rotation. times. response longer have Small rotations Our Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator continuously rotates the rotates continuously Rotator Polarization Crystal Liquid Our polarization direction of a linearly monochromatic, polarized input beam. Our design consists of a Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder combined with a zero-order The fast polymer axis retarder. of the quarter-wave liquid crystal variable retarder is oriented at 45° to the slow axis of the quarter-wave retarder. Linearly polarized input must be parallel to the quarter-wave Polarization retarder rotation slow is axis. achieved by electri - cally controlling the retardance of the Liquid Crystal Variable motion. mechanical eliminating any Retarder, Liquid Crystal Polarization R Polarization Crystal Liquid Fig. 4-15 [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 54 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Liquid Crystal Polarization R R Temperature Range Diameter Tolerance R Beam Deviation Surface Quality Distortion (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Transmittance Polarization Purity Polarization Rotation Wavelength Substrate Material Retarder Material Specifications ecommended Safe Operating Limit eflectance (persurface) 500 W/cm 0° Cto 50°C ±0.005 in. ≤ 0.5%at normalincidence ≤ 2arc min 40-20 scratch anddig ≤ λ/4 > 92%withpolarized input 150:1 average 180 450-1800 nm(specify) fused silica Optical qualitysynthetic Birefringent polymer Nematic liquidcrystal with 300 mJ/cm ° ormore 2 2 , CW , 10ns,visible www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] otators
for acustom quote. Custom sizes areavailable.Pleasecontact ourSalesDepartment placing yourorder. Please specify operatingwavelength Please specify Or de Diameter, r D (in.) i 1.00 2.00 3.00 n g In fo r matio Aperture, CA n n Clear 0.37 0.70 1.60 (in.) λ innanometers when Thickness t (in.) 1.23 0.75 1.00 LPR -100-λ LPR -200-λ LPR -300-λ Number Part Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 55 700 Part Part Number LCS - 100 LCS - 200 LCS - 300 LCS 650 0.75 1.00 1.23 t (in.) Thickness 600 Wavelength (in.) 0.70 1.60 0.37 Clear Wavelength 550 Aperture,CA n matio r 500 fo In g 2.00 3.00 1.00 D (in.) n Transmission for Polarized Light Polarized for Transmission i Diameter, Diameter, r 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
de 85 80 75 70 Transmission(%) 65 Polarized 60 55 50 Polarized Transmission (%) Transmission Polarized Or Key Benefits Key • • • • This liquid crystal shutter mechanical is shutter a that vibration-free is alternative especially to polarized convenient light for beams. use The in liquid crystal a switches between state that rotates the voltage applied and a state input that makes no change in the input polarization by 90° polarization with The 8 with applied to voltage is 10 volts applied. no as AC supplied 3040 2 by or kHz our 3050 liquid 4010, crystal drivers. The liquid crystal configurationpolarizers is visible dichroic integral with supplied is shutter The twisted nematic. that function over the wavelength range of 450 nm to 700 to provide an average contrast ratio of better than 1,000:1 over Shutters with larger aperture sizes this range. and wavelength with wavelength coverage to 2.1 microns are available special requirements. with your Please call on custom basis. a Fig. 4-16 ° , CW 2 incidence angle with some 25° ≤ λ/2 and dig 60-40 scratch 450-700 nm 0.48 — 0.52 inches horizontal on input face, Vertical on output face +80° C -20° C to +50° C 0° C to 1,000:1 1,000:1 5 milliseconds 0.4 milliseconds Dichroic Polymer Dichroic Twisted nematic Twisted quality synthetic Optical fused silica reduction above 10 above reduction 0.5% at normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at min ≤ 5 arc 1 W/cm
Closed to open: Closed to eflectance (per surface) eflectance ns Specificatio Switching Time (10% to 90%) at room temperature room 90%) at Time (10% to Switching Wavefront Transmitted 632.8 nm) (at Distortion Quality Surface R atio (average) Ratio Contrast Angular Field of View Wavelength Range Wavelength Open to closed to Open Glass Thickness Direction Polarization temperature Storage temperature Operating Substrate Material Substrate Material Polarizer Liquid crystal configuration Liquid crystal Beam Deviation Safe Recommended Limit Operating
NEW High Contrast Optical Shutter Optical Contrast High [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 56 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Fig. 4-17 devices. crystal liquid our of performance electro-optical the enhance to utilized is network polymer a which in process fabrication liquid crystal devices. intriguing their Meadowlark Optics has of developed a because novel physics andtheirpotentialapplication inrobust, decades fast-switching past the is extensively studied been have materials composite polymer crystal Liquid Swift LiquidCrystal Technology is time 150 critical. response where a applications for than perfect are devices less of speeds microseconds in both directions our new switching “Swift” Liquid Crystal With crystal liquid formulation. polymer stabilized variable bulk new crystal a utilizes liquid devices generation next Optics Meadowlark Swift LiquidCrystal Principles
(a)Typical bulkliquidcrystal device showing both process. (c)ASwift LiquidCrystal device after alignment material. showing random alignment inthebulkof (b)Apolymerstabilized liquidcrystal device response. regions offast andslow electro-optical (b) (c) (a) www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
tahet o n o or e hg vlae oe supply power voltage high new sources. our of one easy to for provided attachment is connector mating with cable coaxial A our data.performance temporal with provided are while devices shutter wavelength, specified your for voltage data versus performance retardance with supplied is retarder variable crystal liquid Swift Each differences. those accommodate to calibrated be by can changes, they affected wavelength and are temperature devices, crystal liquid all like devices, region.While these infrared near and visible the throughout be used can technologies crystal liquid Swift Optics Meadowlark across theclear oflessthan20nm. aperture uniformity retardance a gives and molecules crystal liquid the sealed.This and place into locked of assemblyalignment excellentensuresprocessin uniformity is cell the performed is step this Once (c)). 4-17 (Figure material crystal liquid bulk the aligns that devices the on process shearing mechanical a For devices. Meadowlarkoccur to alignment performsOptics crystal liquid retarder functional for “fast-axis” particular no with fashion random in aligned is crystal liquid the material; polymer of infiltration after that such bulk, the crystal in liquid alignment uniform for means no are there now is device of type this to challenge speed. The switching the from gap cell the decouples essentially bulk the in material stabilizing the bulk of the cell (Figure 4-17 (b)). The addition of a polymer throughout effects surface alignment for material.allows This allow for a multitude of alignment surfaces for the liquid crystal introduction of small amounts of polymer material into the bulk liquid variable retardercrystal cell. To overcome this effect the device. Figure 4-17 (a) defines these two regions for a standard This second response dominates in a typical bulk liquid crystal in the occurs bulk of the on material the order of milliseconds. that response slow relatively a (2) and microseconds of order layereffect that surface occurs very fast close to very the alignment a layer components,(1) and is two on has the cell the of response 4-6).electro-optical Figure temporal (See actual The cell the of layer alignment the and material crystal liquid bulk the thickness.of the properties molecular to due is effect This increases,gap cell As switching increasetimes squarethe as of andare afunctionofcellgap.crystal have response times that are governed by the bulk of the liquid Typical devices, bulk liquid crystal such as Meadowlarks’LCVR, Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Liquid Crystal Controllers 57 Part Part Number SRC - 200 SRC SVR - 200 SVR
0.75 0.75 t (in.) Thickness IR 3: 1200-1700 nm λ/2 nm to ~50 λ/2 0 to available are ranges custom ≤ λ/2 and dig 40-20 scratch min ≤ 2 arc ± 0.005 in. 80° C -20° C to 55° C 0° C to VIS: 450-700 nm IR 1: 650-950 nm IR 2: 900-1250 nm 150:1, minimum150:1, Polymer stabilized nematic nematic stabilized Polymer liquid crystals quality synthetic Optical fused silica half-wave) to ≤ 175 ms (zero zero) to ≤ 175 ms (half-wave 0.5% at normal incidence ≤ 0.5% at (in.) 0.70 0.70 Clear n Aperture,CA matio r fo With Attached Compensator (0 nm to λ/2) nm to (0 Compensator With Attached In Without Attached Compensator (50 nm to λ/2) (50 nm to Compensator Without Attached g 2.00 2.00 n i r Sub-millisecond response times response Sub-millisecond capability control Computer options control Temperature 1800 nm 450 to from Performance de Diameter, D (in.) Diameter, eflectance (per surface): eflectance etardance Range etardance esponse Time (10-90%) Or ns Specificatio Please specify spectral region when placing your order. Wavefront Transmitted 632.8 nm) (at Distortion Quality Surface Beam Deviation: Tolerance Diameter Temperature Storage Temperature Operating ange R Wavelength Contrast Ratio Contrast R Without compensator With compensator Substrate Material Substrate R Retarder Material Retarder R Key Benefits Key • • • • The of generation next liquid crystal variable retarders utilizes a new bulk stabilized polymer With liquid crystal formulation. switching speeds of less than a directions the 150 Swift Liquid microseconds Crystal Variable Retarder in (SLCVR) both is perfect for applications where The response SLCVRs time require is a critical. high square wave of voltage adjustable amplitude (< that is 100 A temperature provided by Vrms)(see Interface page 62). Voltage our D3060HV High 13 kHz sensing and control option thermal can The be added temperature. operating to the of controlling our accurate SLCVRs for sensor is attached directly to the outside SLCVR the substrate, clear aperture. Custom SLCVRs are available for a applications. variety of etarders s) μ 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 Time ( Voltage (V) Voltage Time (ms) Time Swift Liquid Crystal Response Time Plot Response Liquid Crystal Swift Swift Liquid Crystal Retardance vs Voltage vs Retardance Liquid Crystal Swift
250 300 350 400 450 500
0.0 (nm) Retardance 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 Normalized Response Normalized
Normalized Response Normalized NEW Fig. 4-18
Fig. 4-19 R Variable Crystal Liquid Swift [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 58 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Fig. 4-21 Fig. 4-20 Swift Optical Shutters NEW Or Normalized Response
Diameter, D(in.) Polarized Transmission (%) 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 de Normalized Response
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 Polarized Transmission(%)
50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 0 r 5 0 5 0 5 500 450 400 350 300 250 5 0 5 0 5 700 650 600 550 500 450 i
2.00 n Swift LC Response TimePlot intheopenstate Polarized transmission oftheSwift Optical Shutter g 300 400 500 900 1100 1300 1500 In fo r matio Aperture,CA Wavelength [nm] n n Wavelength [nm] Clear 0.70 (in.) Time (ms) Time ( Time
0 0010 2010 401500 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000 900 μ s) Thickness t (in.) 0.75 SCS -200 www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] Number Part on acustombasis. Pleasecallwithyour specialrequirements. sizes and with wavelength coverage to 2.1 microns are available contrast ratio of better than 200:1. Shutters with averagelarger an aperture provide to nm 700 to nm 450 of rangewavelength the over function that polarizers visible dichroic integral with wavelengths above 700 nm is negligible. The shutter is supplied increases monotonically to about 10% loss at 450 nm. Scatter at lengths. The light loss from this haze is about 1% at 700 nm but wavegreen- and blue the in layer crystal liquid the in haziness this temperature control capability. show some shutters These provides controller D3060HV C. The 40° to heated is shutter to microseconds close. 125 and The switching times are less than 50 microseconds if the open to microseconds 125 is time switchingmillisecond closing.forand opening both Switching providesub- to polarizers betweencrossed cell LC Swift a uses applications.shutter speed high- in It foruse shutters chanical me- to alternative vibration-free a is shutter crystal liquid This • • • • Key Benefits Polarizer Material Substrate Material Retarder Material 40° C Switching Time(10%to 90%)at Open to closed Operating Limit Recommended Safe Beam Deviation R Surface Quality Switching Time(10%to 90%)at room temperature Angular FieldofView Contrast Ratio (average) Wavelength Range Distortion (at 632.8nm) Transmitted Wavefront Operating temperature Storage temperature Polarization Direction Glass Thickness Specifications eflectance (persurface): Closed to open: High speed Noiseless Computer control capability No mechanical motion
silica Optical qualitysynthetic fused liquid crystals Polymer stabilized nematic 300 mJ/cm 1 W/cm ≤ 5arc min ± 5° 450-700 nm ≤ 0.5%at normal incidence ≤ 150 -10° Cto +60°C -20° Cto +70°C on outputface Vertical oninputface, horizontal 0.48 —0.52inches 200:1 60-40 scratch anddig 50 150 Dichroic Polymer λ/2 ms ms ms incidence angle incidence 2 , CW 2 , 10ns,visible
Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 59
D4010 ± 1 mV for < 10 V output ± 1 mV for ≥ 10 V output ± 10 mV for wave 2 kHz ac square 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 TTL compatible 5 V maximum ± 5 mV dc, maximum 0 to 20 V rms, maximum 20 0 to n matio r
fo In g esolution equirements Basic LC Controller Basic LC n i r OHS and CE compliant Convenient, stand-alone bench top operation top bench stand-alone Convenient, with all standard - compatible Versatile liquid nematic and other devices LC Optics Meadowlark specifications listed compatible with devices crystal settings and frequency voltage memory retains System down power at readouts and frequency LED voltage digital green, Bright required adapters SMA and BNC outputs, with no function and restore save and frequency Voltage minutes. up in Sets functionality. Out-of-the-box Fuse protected. operation. voltage low Safe, use. to Compact. Easy operation. Intuitive R liquid crystal DC bias protects Low de ns Specificatio Fundamental Drive Waveform Drive Fundamental (modulation) Frequency Internal (modulation) Frequency External Dimensions (W x D x H) External CE Compliance External Modulation (input) Modulation External Output Bias R Power Output Voltage R Voltage Or 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 modulation internal own its with equipped comes D4010 Model switching periodic adjusts knob Frequency Internal The control. between the An two external voltage settings. input allows with other equipment. modulation to run synchronously Each Meadowlark Optics Liquid Retarder CrystalVariable is Using voltage. versus retardance actual its of plot a with supplied your Model D4010 Controller and this retardance plot ensures 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 Fig. 5-1 Model D4010 Basic Liquid Controller
Meadowlark Meadowlark Optics is excited to announce the release of the our Model new D4010, This Basic Liquid Crystal Controller. single any with integrate to designed is driver crystal(LC) liquid (standard) Meadowlark Optics LC device currently offered as well as any nematic Liquid Crystal device compatible with the readouts frequency and voltage LED Digital listed. specifications settings voltage and frequency Now, convenience. added provide can be easily stored by simply pressing the adjustment knob. system memory retains Also, and voltage frequency settings at down. power the of adjustment manual Retarder, Variable CrystalLiquid a With on 4-8 Figure devicethe retardance. controls amplitude voltage page 49 illustrates the relationship between voltage and retardance. selection repeatable and easy allow settings voltage Independent of two it retardance Often, is values. desirable to modulate quarter- between switching example, For states. two the between wave and linearly half-wave retardance polarizedchanges light to either left A or manual right toggle circular. allows easy states. two between switching Basic Liquid Crystal Controller Crystal Liquid Basic [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com [email protected] Liquid Crystal 60 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Fig. 5-2 crystal liquid nematic separate cells. four for drive wave kHz square 2 the of amplitude the of independent control allow to software Basic CellDRIVE 3000 with comes Basic D3040 The or Basic in either PackageAdvanced options. available is and high time one at for devices crystal liquid designed nematic is Optics Meadowlark four Interface to up of control computer precision Digital Channel Four The Four ChannelDigital Interface for upto four Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders Basic D3040operation enables computer control www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected]
to save/restore all CellDRIVE settings to/from a file. a to/from settings CellDRIVE save/restoreall to ability the and waveforms generated CellDRIVE the in points desired at connector panel front a on pulse sync a output to capability the include nematic waveforms.functions effect Additional transient and sawtooth triangle, square, sinusoidal, including waveforms generated CellDRIVE specific or nector con- panel front a to supplied signal analog DC external an by amplitude of the 2 kHz square wave output to be driven either and control on one channel. The Advanced Package allows the monitoring temperaturefor capability and software Advanced the Basic Package plus the added features of of functionality the the D3050 all PackageincludesThe Advanced CellDRIVE 3100 Fig. 5-3 • Key Benefits: • • • • • USB Instrument drivers to interface withcustom software Includes National Instruments LabVIEW™Virtual channels to 1mVresolution Independent control ofvoltage levels onfour Microsoft® HyperTerminal configuration fileincluded Compact andsimpleto use code examplesC++ including.dlllibraries panel connection external modulation signalvia aconvenient front Advanced D3050operation can accommodate an or R S232 interface
Liquid Crystal Polarizers Retarders Mounting Hardware Liquid Crystal Devices Controllers 61
3100. Please contact a Sales Engineer for for a Sales Engineer 3100. Please contact 3000 Basic Software Software 3100 Advanced S232 cables S232 cables S232 cables and R and R D3040 Controller Unit D3040 Controller User Manual USB CellDRIVE information. more with the TSC not be compatible may option TSC in the D3050. option and replacement Adapters SMB cables. used BNC to a Sales Engineer Please contact available. are cables assistance. for with device a liquid crystal on the D3050 and requires option. (TSC) sensing and control the temperature Power supply and power cable supply and power Power CellDRIVE LabVIEW™ virtual Instruments National driver instruments input Unit with external D3050 Controller connectors panel front output and sync User Manual USB cable control Temperature cable interface LC-Controller cable supply and power Power and control monitoring Temperature CellDRIVE LabVIEW virtual Instruments National driver instruments also includes This upgrade D3050 specifications.
Basic package includes: Basic package • • • with devices LC of Meadowlark generations 2. Previous Controllers LC of Meadowlark generations 3. Previous is only available and control monitoring 4. Temperature • • • includes: package Advanced • • • • • • • • • NOTES: to be upgraded may 1. D3040 Controllers
D3040 D3050 2 m cable length SMA-SMB ms pulse, user (0-5 V) external modulation external input sinusoidal triangle square sawtooth nematic transient effect Active heating/passive cooling to within ± 1° C of nominal set point TTL, 1 specified phase 2 kHz ac square wave 0-10 V rms 1 mV (0.155 mV using LabVIEW™ subroutines) < 5 mV USB or RS232 SMA-SMB, 100 – 240 V ac 47 – 63 Hz 500 mA compliant 9.50 x 6.25 x 1.50 in. 2 lbs. Y n Port Port Cables equirements matio Instrument Instrument Library requires R
r Basic fo Advanced Advanced version 6.1 version or higher drive In
g hard hard drive space
equirements SMA to SMB n i R or RS232 COM r ROM
Offset de LabVIEW CED PACKAGE ONL PACKAGE NCED ADVA s n Specificatio Temperature Control (one channel Temperature only) Sync Output Minimum System • PC with II Pentium class processor • 32 MB RAM • CD • 20 MB • USB • Windows™ 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista • Use of LabVIEW Modulation Modulation Waveforms Fundamental Drive Waveform Drive Fundamental Modulation Modulation Amplitude Modulation Resolution DC Communications Interface: LC Cell to Controller Connections Power CE Compliance Dimensions (L x W x H) Weight Or
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 62 Controllers Liquid Crystal Devices Mounting Hardware Retarders Polarizers Two ChannelHighVoltage Interface to/from afile. waveforms tosave/restore andtheability allCellDRIVEsettings connector atdesired pointsintheCellDRIVEgenerated include tooutputasyncpulse onafront panel thecapability transient nematiceffect waveforms. Additional functions waveforms including sinusoidal, square, triangle, sawtooth and to afront panelconnectororspecific CellDRIVEgenerated wave anexternal outputtobedriveneitherby signalsupplied Advanced Package allows theamplitudeof13kHzsquare temperature andcontrol ononechannel. monitoring The the high-speedSwiftLCdevices. Also included for iscapability of theCellDRIVE3100 Advanced software, butisoptimizedfor devices. CellDRIVE3100HVsoftware includes allthefeatures D3050 plus the high voltage circuitry necessary for Swift LC The D3060HVPackage includes allthefunctionalityof atonetime. devices Optics SwiftLCliquidcrystal high precision computer control ofuptotwo Meadowlark The Two ChannelHigh Voltage Interface Digital isdesignedfor Or • • CellDRIVE3100HVSoftware • Temperature monitoring andcontrol • Power supplyandpower cable • LC-Controller interface cable • Temperature control cable • USBandR • UserManual outputfront panel connectors • D3060HVController Unitwithexternal inputandsync Package includes: de National Instruments LabVIEWvirtual instruments driver r High VoltageHigh Controller i n High VoltageHigh g In fo S232 cables r matio Cable n n Swift LC Cable LC Swift D3060HV www.meadowlark.com •(303) 833-4333• [email protected] • Key Benefits: • • • • • requiresLibraryInstrument LabVIEW of Use • 98/ME/2000/XP/VistaWindows™ • PortCOM RS232 or USB • space drivehard MB 20 • drive ROM CD • RAM MB 32 • processor class PentiumII with PC • SystemMinimum Output Sync only) Temperaturechannel (one Control WaveformsModulation Weight H) x W x (L Dimensions SafetyFeature Power Connections LC InterfaceCommunications DC ResolutionModulation Amplitude Modulation Fundamental Drive Waveform Specifications LabVIEW cell to Controllerto cell Offset USB software Instrument drivers to interface withcustom Includes National Instruments LabVIEW™Virtual channels to 10mVresolution Independent control ofvoltage levels ontwo included Microsoft® HyperTerminal configuration file Compact andsimpleto use code examplesC++ (allrequired libraries included) R equirements or R
version 6.1 or higher or version6.1 S232 interface
R equirements specified phase specified TTL, point set nominal of C 1° ± within to cooling heating/passive Active effecttransientnematic Sawtooth Square Triangle Sinusoidal V) (0-5 input externalmodulation lbs. 6 in. 4.0 x 7.25 x 10.50 KeyedSwitchInterlock 2.5 A 47 –63Hz 100 –240Vac length m 2 cable, RF LEMO™ RS232 or USB subroutines) LabVIEW™ using mV (1.55 mV 10 rms V 0-100 wavesquare ac kHz 13 < 50 mV 50 < 1 pulse, user pulse, ms
Systems Liquid crystals provide the basis for our system level products, which are spatial light modulators, polarimeters and tunable filters. These materials enable nonmechanical control of light through electrical manipulation of the polarization. More specifically nematic liquid crystal variable retarders provide electrical control of retardation and thus electrical control of:
1. Spatial distribution of phase or intensity in our spatial light modulators, 2. Polarization dependent time modulation of intensity in our polarimeters 3. Wavelength dependent transmission in our tunable filters.
These systems are a natural extension of our expertise in polarization control to fulfill your needs for higher level functions in your laboratory or your systems. As with almost all our products these systems can be customized to meet your special requirements. Please call us if your requirements differ from our published specifications.
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 63 Spatial Light Modulator Principles
Meadowlark Optics award-winning Spatial Light Modulators Spatial Light Modulator Applications (SLMs) provide precision retardance control for spatially varying phase or amplitude requirements. Our SLMs consist of liquid Spatial Light Modulators are being used in a diverse crystal (LC) pixels, each independently addressed, acting as range of new applications including: separate variable retarders. These SLMs are easily incorporated • Microscopy into optical systems requiring programmable masks and variable • Imaging polarimetry input/output devices. Applications include correlation, • Optical data storage spectroscopy, data storage, ultrafast pulse shaping, optical • WDM gain flattening computing, beam steering and wavefront correction for active • Wavefront correction and adaptive optics. • Arbitrary pulse shaping • Optical transform masks Basic construction and operation of an SLM is similar to our • WDM add/drop modulators standard LC Variable Retarder described on pages 49-50. The • Multi-channel PMD correction ITO transparent conductor is photolithographically patterned • Beam steering for live cell manipulation into individual electrodes, creating independently controllable • Holographic Displays Modulators Spatial Light Spatial pixels. Standard SLM geometries are shown on page 65. • Cinematography Minimizing pixel spacing is critical to optimize performance • Optical Tweezers and resolution. Proprietary designs and techniques enable • Astronomical Observation Meadowlark Optics to offer tight interpixel spacing. Custom • Fluorescence Photomasking pixel configurations are possible. Amplitude Control Phase Control Spatial Light Modulators are also used for amplitude control or Spatial phase control or modulation is accomplished without modulation. Here, the SLM modifies the beam intensity, but also altering the intensity profile of an incident beam. Light linearly spatially alters the phase profile, which may be undesirable. polarized parallel to the extraordinary axis of the LC material is Correction is accomplished by using two spatial light phase modulated by the voltage applied across individual pixels. modulators in series. The first performs the necessary amplitude
Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable An optical path difference between adjacent pixels, tunable to modulation, also introducing a phase change. The second SLM one full-wave, is easily accomplished, as shown in figure 6-1. restores the original, or desired phase relationship between pixels. Polarizers are optional with an amplitude SLM. These polarizers are both rotatable and removable from the SLM housing. The compact optical head is designed so that two units can be placed back-to-back, minimizing the path distance between modulators. Electrical connections exit one side of the optical head for convenience in handling and mounting. Polarimeters All Meadowlark Optics SLMs conveniently interface with Model D3128 Controller described on page 67.
Fig. 6-1 With phase modulation, an optical path difference of up to one full-wave is produced between adjacent pixels of the Spatial Light Modulators. The output intensity remains uniform.
64 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Spatial Light Modulators Key Benefits • High transmission • Compact optical housing design • Computer controlled • Phase or amplitude modulation • Uses model D3128 SLM Controller
Meadowlark Optics Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) consist of patterned arrays of independently controlled liquid crystal (LC) Spatial Light variable retarders. Our high-resolution SLMs are electronically Modulators programmable and interface to our Model D3128 SLM Controller. Meadowlark Optics offers both linear and hexagonal pixel geometries.
Hex Spatial Light Modulator Tunable Optical Filters Our two dimensional SLMs are designed for adaptive optics applications. A two dimensional array of Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders acts as a real time programmable phase mask for wavefront correction of a linear polarized source. Unwanted aberration effects are removed by introducing the opposite phase shift through the Hex SLM. The most common applications involve high-resolution imaging where viewing through an aberrant medium is unavoidable. Examples include astronomical imaging with ground-based telescopes and medical imaging through body fluids. High-energy laser users also benefit from active phase compensation for beam profile
correction. Fig. 6-2 Hexagonal SLM pixel geometry Polarimeters
Linear Array Spatial Light Modulator The Linear SLM has a linear pixel array geometry. This system can be used to alter the temporal profile of femtosecond light pulses via computer control. Applications requiring these short pulses include analysis and quantum control of chemical events, optical communication and biomedical imaging. These SLMs find use in other applications including Hadamard spectroscopy, optical data storage and wavefront compensation.
Fig. 6-3 Linear SLM pixel geometry w = 98 um and d = 4 um
Custom Spatial Light Modulators are available.
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 65 Spatial Light Modulators
Top View End View 7.00 0.74
0.86
8-32 Mounting Holes 8-32 Mounting Holes
2.96 1/4"-20 Mounting Hole 1.24 1/4"-20 Mounting Hole 2.96 1.00 3.03 0.50
8-32 Mounting Holes 8-32 Mounting Holes
0.94 0.98 8-32 Mounting Holes on 4 inch centers 0.37
Side View
Modulators Cable Slot Spatial Light Spatial 1.09 0.28
Fig. 6-4 Spatial Light Modulator Mechanical Drawing
Specifications Ordering Information Retarder Material Nematic liquid crystal Name Pixel Version Part Number Substrate Material Optical quality synthetic Pixel Width (µm) Geometry fused silica 98mm x 4mm Phase SSP - 128P - λ Center Wavelength 450-1800 nm (specify) 1 x 128 linear Amplitude SSP - 128A - λ
Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable Modulation Range Phase Hex - 127P - λ Phase (minimum) 1λ optical path difference Hexagonal 127 1mm across Amplitude 0-100% Amplitude Hex - 127A - λ Retardance Uniformity ≤ 2% rms variation over Please specify your operating wavelength λ in nanometers clear aperture when ordering. Transmitted Wavefront Two year and three year extended warranty options available, ≤ λ/4 Distortion (at 632.8 nm) please contact your Meadowlark Optics sales engineer Surface Quality 40-20 scratch and dig Polarimeters Beam Deviation ≤ 2 arc min Transmittance > 90% (without polarizers) Reflectance (per surface) ≤ 0.5% at normal incidence OPTIONAL POLARIZERS Wavelength Range Dimensions (L x W x H) 7.00 x 2.96 x 0.74 in. Type Part Number (nm) Recommended Safe 500 W/cm2, CW Visible 450 - 700 SDP - VIS Operating Limit 300 mJ/cm2, 10 ns, 532 nm Temperature Range 10° C to 45° C Near Infrared 1 775 - 890 SDP - IR1 Note that the D3128 is included with purchase of the SLM system, Near Infrared 2 890 - 1800 SDP - IR2 see page 67 for specifications
66 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Spatial Light Modulator Controller
Meadowlark Optics Spatial Light Modulator Controller allows for independent voltage control of up to 128 liquid crystal cells or pixels. The SLM Controller connects via USB cable to a Windows™ based computer. Supplied software allows for convenient setting of individual pixel retardance and for the programming of retardance profiles across a pixelated device. Custom software can be written using the included LabVIEW™ Virtual Instrument Library to allow for integration into custom Spatial Light applications. Modulators Tunable Optical Filters ORDERING INFORMATION Specifications Item Output Channels Part Number Output Voltage 2 kHz ac square wave digitally adjustable 0-10 V rms SLM Controller 128 D3128 Voltage Resolution 2.44 mV (12 bit) Computer Interface USB Power Requirements 100-240 V ac 47-63 Hz 1 A Dimensions (L x W x H) 9.50 x 6.25 x 1.50 in. Weight 2 lbs.
Minimum System Requirements Polarimeters • PC with Pentium III class processor • 64 MB RAM • CD ROM drive • 40 MB hard drive space • USB Port • Windows™ 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista • Use of LabVIEW Instrument Library requires LabVIEW version 6.1 or higher Please note that the D3128 is included with purchase of the SLM system, see page 66 for specifications
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 67 Tunable Optical Filter Principles
retarder as the waveplate enables the birefringence to be a function of the applied voltage. Thus by applying a different voltage, the location of the peaks can be moved and a filter can be tuned.
A single Lyot Stage is generally not particularly useful, but if several of them are stacked together, the free spectral range can be increased, while the pass band remains about the same. The following figure shows how many Lyot Stages can work in con- cert to diminish every peak except for the one of interest (top line). Modulators Spatial Light Spatial
Meadowlark Optics Tunable Optical Filters facilitate spectral analysis of not only a collimated beam, but also more impor- tantly an entire object. The Tunable Filter passes only a narrow bandwidth of light while blocking all others within the desig- nated spectral range. The pass band can be shifted to a new color in the blink of an eye. This combination of pass band and speed is equivalent to thousands of dichroic or interference filters on hundreds of filter wheels. This enables the user to acquire images at thousands of different wavelengths in a short amount of time. Applications of Tunable Optical Filters include Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable fluorescence microscopy, absorption microscopy, Raman microscopy and solar astronomy.
Tunable Optical Filter Basics Fig. 7-1 Example of multi-stage transmission behavior A Tunable Optical Filter works on the principle of polarization dispersion. Simply stated, when light passes through a wave- plate (e.g. a liquid crystal variable retarder), it will be retarded Solc Stages, like Lyot Stages, are also useful in building Tunable by a certain number of waves. When light of a different wave- Filters. A Solc Stage consists of multiple waveplates at pre- Polarimeters length passes through the same waveplate, it will be retarded scribed angles between parallel (or crossed) polarizers. One by a different number of waves. advantage of using a Solc Stage over a Lyot Stage is that Solcs have a wider null and a narrower peak than a comparable Lyot. To illustrate this effect, consider a Lyot Stage. This Lyot Stage Therefore, when using stacks of Solc Stages to build a Tunable consists of two parallel (or crossed) polarizers placed around a Filter, it is possible to reduce the total number of stages needed. waveplate, which is oriented at 45 degrees to the polarizers as shown. Transmission through the Lyot Stage obeys the follow- Meadowlark Optics uses Lyot Stages, Solc Stages and other pro- ing equation, prietary types of stages to make Tunable Filters. This permits a Tunable Filter to have optimum peak transmission with a mini- T(λ) = T cos2(bt/λ) 0 mum of leakage.
where T(λ) is the transmission at wavelength λ , T 0 is the maxi- mum peak transmittance, b is the waveplate birefringence and t is its thickness. The spectral response is shown in Fig 7-1 for a 1300 nm retarder as stage one. Using a liquid crystal variable
68 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Tunable Optical Filters
Standard Tunable Optical Filters Key Benefits A Tunable Optical Filter consists of multiple liquid crystal variable • Broad tuning range retarders and polarizers protected in a temperature-controlled • Uniform clear aperture housing. Temperature control is important since the birefringence • High peak transmission of the liquid crystal variable retarders is a function of temperature • Multiple control interface options as well as voltage. Each liquid crystal cell that goes into the Tunable • Replace thousands of interference filters Filter is made to be highly uniform in retardance using our • Stable performance over wide ambient propriety manufacturing processes. This produces the best temperature range uniformity of transmission wavelength across the clear aperture. Spatial Light Modulators VersaLight polarizers are generally used with remarkably low losses, FilterDRIVE software is provided. This software allows a user to producing a final filter with very high transmission. Additionally, input a desired wavelength value using a keyboard or mouse. the polarizers have very wide fields of view and can accommodate Firmware serial commands are provided in the user’s manual for much higher flux than standard dichroic polarizers. those wishing to control tunable filters using their own custom The electronics controller supplies the appropriate voltages to software. each of the liquid crystal variable retarders and maintains the Our filter housings are designed to be easy to integrate into existing temperature of the housing. All of the calibration data for each optical systems. Mounting points are standard 8/32 threaded; and variable retarder is stored into memory on the electronics both apertures come with c-mount threaded aluminum mounts for Tunable Optical Filters controller. When commands are issued to the controller via USB easy attachment of optical components. and serial port; the calibration data are accessed and new voltages Below are sample transmission curves for our standard products, to each of the variable retarders are initiated simultaneously. specifications for our standard tunable filters are shown at the end To issue commands via USB or serial port from a computer, of this section; we also build custom filters.
TransmissionTransmission Peaks for TOF-VISfor TOF-VIS TransmissionTransmission PeaksPeaks for TOF-LNIR for TOF-LNIR 7070 6060
60 60 5050
5050 Polarimeters 4040 4040 3030 3030
Polarized Transmission (%) 20 20Polarized Transmission (%) 2020 Polarized Transmission (%) Polarized Transmission Polarized Transmission (%) Polarized Transmission 1010 1010
0 0 0 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 0 850 1050 1250 1450 1650 1850 Wavelength (nm) 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 850 1050 1250 Wavelength 1450 (nm) 1650 1850
Fig. 7-2 Typical Filter curves for the TOF-VIS Fig. 7-3 Typical Filter curves for the TOF-LNIR
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 69 Tunable Optical Filters A. B.
Document Verification:
Modulators A. Ordinary Illumination Spatial Light Spatial B. Through Filter
Solar Astronomy
Fluorescence Microscopy Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable Custom Tunable Optical Filters Other specifications include field of view, which defines the applicable half-cone angle from the optical axis for which the Meadowlark Optics excels at providing customized Tunable Filters filter performance is guaranteed. Thus the rays entering the for all kinds of applications. Whether you are doing astronomical Tunable Filter should be kept less than this angle. If this is not imaging, microscopy, or remote imaging, we can find a solution possible, the main result will be a decrease in the out-of-band that meets your needs. Since all components are made in-house, rejection. Out-of-band rejection is the measure of how much light, a wide range of customization is possible. Whether you would like which is not within the pass band, gets through the filter; it is a larger clear aperture, a narrower pass band, a wider field of view, usually desirable to have the out-of-band rejection as high as Polarimeters a variable pass band, or more, we can do it. When deciding on possible. Other specifications including the tuning accuracy of the specifications for a custom filter, it is important to remember that peak transmission can be optimized in Custom Filters. not all specs can be chosen completely independently. The most Meadowlark Optics has several proprietary and patent-pending important spec to consider is the finesse, f, which is defined as is designs for Tunable Filters. If you are interested in a Custom the ratio between the free spectral range (FSR) of the filter and the Tunable Filter with a very wide field-of-view, a variable FWHM (i.e. full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the pass band. Higher several different FWHMs possible at a particular wavelength) or finesses are achieved by adding more stages and thus more optics, any important specifications, please call us to discuss custom filter which leads to a more expensive filter and also to lower peak requirements. transmission. Peak transmission is another important specification. This is defined as the maximum transmission of the pass band curve. Applications: Additionally peak transmission is generally reported for light that • remote Sensing is polarized along the transmission axis of the first polarizer in the • Solar Astronomy Tunable Filter. If unpolarized light is incident on the filter then the • Document Verification peak transmission will be half of the polarized peak transmission. • Hyperspectral Imaging The peak transmission is a function of the center wavelength of • Fluorescence Microscopy the pass band as well as the number of optics in the Tunable Filter. • Biological/Chemical Imaging This means that the peak transmission is highly dependent on the • Pharmacological Development optical finesse, since higher finesses have more optics and hence • Chromographic Analysis more absorptive elements. • Filter wheel replacement
70 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Tunable Optical Filters
2.25" 2.25"
4.00" 4.00" 4.00" 0.72" DB-25 4.00" 0.72" DB-25
C-Mount Thread
C-mountC-Mount ThreadsThread
0.24" 0.31" 0.31" 0.24"
Top View Spatial Light Modulators 0.97"
5.44" 0.24" 0.31" 0.31" 0.24" 1.40" Top View Flattened Chord 0.97" Front View 5.44" 1.40"
0.75" Flattened Flattened Chord chord Front View
8-32 Thread Tunable Optical Filters
0.75" Flattened 0.413" 0.413" chord Bottom View
Fig 7-4 Tunable Optical Filter Mechanical Drawing 8-32 Thread
Specifications AND ORDERING INFORMATION 0.413" 0.413" Bottom ViewStandard Filters Custom Filters Design Space TOF-1075 Part Number TOF-VIS TOF-NIR (requires specification (custom example) tradeoffs) Wavelength Range 420-1100 nm 850-1976 nm 350-2500 nm 1071-1078 nm Clear Aperture Diameter 20 mm 20 mm 5-100 mm 20 mm Polarimeters Full Width at Half Max 5 nm @ 550 nm 6 nm @ 1300 nm 0.1 to 100 nm 0.2 nm @ 1075 nm (FWHM) (increases with λ) Polarized Peak Transmission 5-60% 10-55% 80% max (based on design) 56% Tuning Resolution 0.1 nm 0.1 nm ~ 2% FWHM 0.001 nm Tuning Accuracy FWHM/10 FWHM/10 Based on design FWHM/10 Field of View (Half Cone Angle) 6° 3° Based on design 3° Switching Speed < 100 ms < 100 ms 10 to 500 ms < 100 ms Temperature Range 10°C - 35°C 10°C - 35°C 10°C - 35°C 0°C - 35°C Out-of-Band Blocking > OD2 90-264 V ac Power Requirements 47- 63 Hz 2A Controller Dimensions (L x W x H) 9.50 x 6.25 x 1.50 inches Controller Weight 2 lbs. Minimum Systems Requirements • PC with Pentium II class processor • 32 MB RAM • CD ROM drive • 20 MB hard drive space • USB or RS232 COM Port • Windows™ 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista • Use of LabVIEW Instrument Library requires LabVIEW version 6.1 or higher
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 71 Polarimeters
Applications: • Ellipsometry • Test and Measurement • Materials Characterization • Spectroscopic Applications • Telecom Device Manufacturing • Pharmaceutical Development and QC • Stokes Vector Analysis
PolarView 3000 User Interface Software Features: • Data Averaging • Stokes Parameters • Polarization Ellipse Modulators Spatial Light Spatial • Degree of Polarization • Continuous Save To File • Continuous Chart display Option Meadowlark Optics has a longstanding reputation for precision • Poincaré Sphere with 2D Projections polarization control and metrology. Our line of user-friendly • Continuous Tracking On Poincaré Sphere Polarimeters provides this same high accuracy and reliability in an easy to use instrument, suitable for manufacturing and Polarimeter Package includes: laboratory applications. • Temperature Controlled LC Polarimeter Optical Head These Polarimeters are compact, state-of-the-art systems with • D3000 Digital Electronic Controller convenient computer control that accurately measures Stokes • PolarView 3000 software installation CD Parameters 10 times per second that quantify the State of • User Manual Polarization (SOP) and then graphically displays this state on the • USB and optics head cables
Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable Poincaré Sphere, Polarization Ellipse, or running chart. It • Power supply and Power cable contains no spinning waveplates, motors, or other moving parts • Calibration at up to three wavelengths included to wear or cause vibrations. Patented, proprietary algorithms (Storage in memory of up to 12 wavelengths possible) provide high accuracy and calibration versatility. Two models • LabView™ Virtual Instrument Library for Polarimeter offer calibrated polarization measurement over the wavelength • One year of software support and upgrades ranges 450 nm to 1100 nm and 900 nm to 1700 nm. Meadowlark • One year warranty for defects in materials Optics Polarimeters are computer-controlled with USB interface and workmanship for increased measurement rate and convenience. Polarimeters
72 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Polarimeters
Key Benefits Specifications • Compact Wavelength Ranges (nm) • No moving parts Visible 450-1100 • Stokes Vector Accuracy better than 1% Near Infrared 900-1700 • Polarization state tracking Max Absolute Degree of ≤ 1% • Software Instrument Library Polarization Error • Fiber and free space versions Wavelength Range for Calibration ± 3 nm • User-friendly graphical interface Accuracy • Visible and near infrared versions
Measurement Frequency 10 Hz Spatial Light Modulators
Ordering Information Resolution 0.001 of a Stokes Parameter Maximum Operating Temperature 40° C Wavelength Range Version Part Number (nm) Optical Head Dimensions 2.83 x 1.75 x 1.75 in. Minimum Optical Power to 10 mW sensitivity 450-1100 Visible PMI - VIS maintain accuracy can be increased to 1 mW 900-1700 Near Infrared PMI - NIR by special request Power Requirements 100 – 240 V ac Tunable Optical Filters 47 – 63 Hz 500 mA Optional Accessories: Input Aperture 2 mm • Eigenstate Generator Set* • Fiber optic cable adapter These specifications describe performance at 23 ± 3° C ambient - Visible temperature. - Near Infrared Minimum System Requirements: • Angle-polished fiber collimator adapter • PC with Pentium II class processor • Calibration at additional wavelengths • Windows™ 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista • CD ROM drive * The Eigenstate Generator Set enables precise • 20 MB hard drive space recalibration of your Polarimeter. • 32 MB RAM • USB Port Polarimeters See page 74 for additional information. • Use of LabView™ Instrument Library requires LabView version 6.1 or newer full development system. system. Custom versions are available. Two and three year extended warranty options are available, please contact your Meadowlark Optics Sales Engineer.
1.75 2.73
2mm 0.83 0.875
1.769 1.769 Tapped 8-32 Mounting Hole Locations Mounting Holes on 0.909 Centerline of Head
0.50 0.865 1.00
Front
Fig. 8-1 Polarimeter Mechanical Dimensions [email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 73 Eigenstate Generator Set
Calibration Stokes SOP Polarizer Waveplate Sequence Vector Description Orientation Orientation
Step 1 (1,1,0,0) Horizontal Removed
Step 2 (1,-1,0,0) Vertical Removed
Step 3 (1,0,1,0) +45° Removed
Step 4 (1,0,-1,0) -45° Removed
Step 5 (1,0,0,1) Right Circular
Step 6 (1,0,0,-1) Left Circular Modulators Spatial Light Spatial
Fig.8-2 Polarimeter calibration is greatly simplified by the Eigenstate Generator Set sequence outlined above Applications: • Ellipsometry • Polarization Control • Polarization Analysis • Calibration Accessory for PMI Series Polarimeters
Meadowlark Optics Eigenstate Generator Set is a tool which produces six polarization eigenstates: linear polarized light at angles
Tunable Optical Filters Optical Tunable of 0, 90, +45, -45 degrees as well as circular right handed and circular left-handed polarized light. These states are created by using a precision dichroic linear polarizer in a black housing and a precision quarter waveplate in a blue housing. The housings are CNC machined so that the accuracy of the angles is better than 1 arc minute. Pins on the housings mate to a v-groove and a flat groove in a quasi-kinematic fashion, while Fig. 8-3 Poincaré Sphere showing six polarization eigenstates magnets provide holding force. This scheme facilitates precise, simple and fast indexing of the polarization eigenstates. Large Ordering Information Polarimeters arrows on the housing indicate the transmission axis of the polarizer Item Part Number and the fast axis of the waveplates for ease of use. Available for wavelength ranges from 450-1700 nm. Eigenstate Generator Set EGS-λ Eigenstate Retarders are additional retarders that can be purchased Eigenstate Retarders EGR-λ at the same time as your Eigenstate Generator set and polarimeter. Please specify your operating wavelength λ in nm when ordering. Wavelengths available from 450-1700 nm.
3.677 3.677
1.00 1.00
2.450 2.450
0.4” Diameter 0.4” Diameter
3.032 3.032 0.875 Shoulder Screws 0.500" Head Diameter
3.00 1.300 1.300 1.407 1.407 Top View
0.38 ± 0.02 0.079 1.300 1.300
2.600 2.600 Polarizer Front View Retarder Front View 3.00 End View
0.540 0.765 0.540 0.765 Fig. 8-4 Polarizer, Retarder, Base Bottom View Bottom View 74 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Capabilities Quality Engineering Services Innovation doesn’t just happen – you need the right people in the right place – Meadowlark Optics is that place and we have the right people. Whether your requirements are large or small, simple or complex, Meadowlark can design precision optics and mounting for your applications.
Meadowlark’s team of researchers and engineers can help you solve your polarization optics and instru- mentation problems. We have developed custom polarizers, polymer retarders, achromatic retarders, Ordering liquid crystal optics and polarization analysis instrumentation. Our skilled production staff can turn your custom designs into consistently manufactured products.
Meadowlark Optics has the expertise, facilities and instruments to ensure your parts are mounted and aligned exactly as required. Our group of Opto-Mechanical Engineers can build a mount to meet customer specifications using the latest CAD software and develop prototypes in our in-house machine shop. Plus, our collection of optical instruments, including proprietary devices, allows for mounting and verification of extremely tight optical and mechanical specifications. Working with Meadowlark Optics permits the entire process from design to volume manufacturing to be completed in the same building. This removes the hassle of transferring valuable information and losing time as different companies, development groups or manufacturing houses get up to speed on the changes. Here are a few of our custom polarization solutions...
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 75 Capabilities
Small Precision Optics Custom Tunable Filters
As optical components become integrated into OEM devices Many applications require that researchers and scientists visu- there is a need to restrict the dimensions of these components alize minute concentrations of elements or compounds, or the to ensure total package size requirements can be met. More changes in a continuous wavelength range. Meadowlark importantly the parts must be manufactured without any loss Optics line of Tunable Optical Filters allows the user to dissect in quality or optical an image into hundreds of individual wavelength images. Solar characteristics. astronomers have used LC Tunable Filters for years (examples: Meadowlark Optics has imaging of solar flares and prominences or imaging the solar developed processes chromosphere) and now new applications in microscopy, that allow us to effi- spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging and many other fields are ciently build small being discovered and tested every day.
Capabilities polarizers and retarders, down to a few millime- Design and construction of Tunable Optical Filters combines ters on a side for square multiple areas of Meadowlark Optics expertise, including our parts or as tiny as 6 mm Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders, instrumentation, fabrication in diameter. Our and of course polarization. Our knowledge has lead to designs unmounted PolyWave that overcome many issues that have been overlooked in the retarders can be built past. For example, the retardance of a LC cell is sensitive to down to a millimeter temperature and variations in the environment surrounding per side with a usable the device can clear aperture that
Quality lead to measure- extends to within 15 ment errors. As a microns of the edge. result we have Amazingly, these advancements are not only restricted to static mounted our components. Our active liquid crystal devices have gone even Tunable Optical smaller than static parts, including some devices with a 1 mm Filter inside a circular clear aperture inside of a 3mm square device. thermally con- trolled housing to preserve the tun- Custom Mounts/Sub-Assembly Work ing accuracy of the device. When designing an optical instrument there are often difficult Ordering challenges that force optics to be installed in tight spaces to Meadowlark Optics even tighter tolerances. Custom mounts are often required to offers a line of hold components of varying sizes and shapes that cannot be standard visible supported by traditional mounting options. Sub-assemblies and near infrared Tunable Optical Filters that provide the often require polarization components be mounted with sub insight and visualization you need. If the specifications of our degree accuracy, or be tilted to very specific angles away from standard devices are not ideal for your application we are very normal incidence. interested in designing a custom Tunable Filter to exactly meet your needs. Choose the wavelength range, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the transmission peaks, tuning resolu- tion, angular field-of-view and a number of other requirements and Meadowlark Optics will design the system needed to com- plete your experiments. We even have designs that allow for a variable FWHM at a single wavelength! Please refer to the Tunable Optical Filter section of the catalog (page 68) for more detail on these systems or call us to discuss your application requirements.
76 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Capabilities
Custom Spatial Light Modulators Most broadband polarizing beamcubes offer a useable wave- length range of 300-400 nm. The VersaLight beamcube offers a The applications for Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) useable range of 1350 nm and can be used from 650-2000 nm are broad and far reaching. From ultrafast laser pulse shaping without much variation in transmission or loss of contrast to wavefront cor- ratio. In fact, this cube has a transmitted contrast ratio of 500:1 rection many or better through most of the useable wavelength range. It also tasks can be pushes the limits of the field of view for polarizing beamcubes. completed with The angular acceptance of the VersaLight cube is greater than
our standard ± 20°, compared to ± 3° for most thin film beamcubes, opening Capabilities Linear and two- up many uses and applications that were not possible with dimensional thin film polarizer designs. This cube continues the Meadowlark Hexagonal arrays. Optics tradition of innovation and quality construction by pro- However, certain viding better specs and more performance to our customers, applications allowing them do to and see things that were never possible require larger before. active areas (clear apertures) in order to modu- Custom Retarders late the entire beam profile or When completing an application where the wavelength of maybe the pixels need to be arranged in a custom layout, like interest is different from a standard light source wavelength it Quality a series of concentric circles, for the experiment to be com- can be difficult to find an accurate retardation plate. The cost pleted properly. of polishing an entire batch of crystal parts (quartz, magnesium fluoride, sapphire, etc.) will make the prices of Meadowlark Optics would like to take on your need for a cus- low quantities of these tom designed transmissive SLM. Modifications to the pixel size, retarders very expen- dimensions and pattern can be completed by creating a new sive. Using our polymer photo-mask and since the optical head, driver and software can processing facilities, be kept the same these changes can be completed without Meadowlark Optics can dramatic price increases or lead-times. create a custom retarder Ordering for your specific wave- VersaLight™ Beam Splitting Polarizer length. Custom retar- dances, such as eighth- In an effort to offer more versatile products Meadowlark wave or tenth-wave are Optics has designed also available. We also an extremely broad- have the ability to create band (650 to 2000 nm) retarders with custom polarizing beamcube dimensions or large areas to fit perfectly within your unique based around our optical design. line of VersaLight wire grid polarizers. Micro Retarders Laminating a Versa- Light polarizer inside Other distinctive retarders that Meadowlark Optics can pro- two right angle duce include a product we call Micro Retarders. These compo- prisms allows the nents were originally designed for use inside telecommunica- component to exhib- tions systems and their primary characteristic is their thickness, it the benefits of both or more appropriately their thinness. These retarders measure the polarizer and less than 20 microns thick, less than five millimeters per side cube. This means and have almost perfect transmission characteristics. Like our that you have an standard polymer retarders these parts are available for any extremely broadband cube with a large acceptance angle that is wavelength and any retardance. easy to mount. These cubes can be made to transmit any polariza- tion direction while reflecting the orthogonal polarization.
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 77 Capabilities
Pockels Cell Engineering Services/Consulting Modulators When faced with a problem related to polarization it can be Our longitudinal Pockels very difficult to come to a solution that takes into account all Cells are often used in of the issues that need to be considered. Many times optimiz- polarimetry on imaging ing one parameter of a system leads to degradation somewhere light beams and in the else and these tradeoffs need to be characterized in order to chopping of polarized create the best system possible. The engineers at Meadowlark beams. They consist of Optics have the educational background, technical knowledge Z-cut KD*P crystals and most importantly years between protective win- of experience to help you dows that have transpar- properly identify and solve
Capabilities ent indium-tin oxide the problems you face. electrodes applied to their interior faces. The Outside of their personal electrodes produce a experiences our engineers uniform electric field normal to the optical faces and permit have access to numerous use of a thin (less than 3 mm) KD*P crystal. This makes these polarization modeling and cells suitable for use in non-collimated imaging light beams simulation programs that slower than f/20. Meadowlark specializes in clear aperatures can compute the expected up to 40 mm. These devices are useful as variable retarders in polarization output after an applications requiring much faster switching
Quality arbitrary polarization state Unique Custom Capabilities is passed through any num- ber of components. When Over the years Meadowlark Optics has been asked to deliver modeling does not provide some unique polarization components. Our reputation for enough information we quality and innovation has made us the company that many have a number of state of people turn to when they need a device that is not readily the art optical measurement available. systems and techniques that measure retardance down to 0.001 of a wave or angu- Examples of these devices include a segmented polarizer that lar accuracies of less than half a degree. contained four different quadrants, where each quadrant had Ordering its polarization transmission axis in a different orientation. Another is an assembly of polarizing beam- So when faced with cubes that can take an input beam and a polarization prob- separate it into multiple output beams with lem that threatens varying linear polarization directions. We to slow down your also have manufactured an optically progress contact addressed spatial light modulator. Meadowlark Optics and allow our group of engineers to pro- Our engineers have spent years designing vide you with the these components for various applications correct solution. and they have the imagination and knowl- edge to build a component that will perfectly fit your needs. So if you have an idea for a polarization component that you cannot find anywhere else talk to Meadowlark Optics.
78 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected] Meadowlark Quality Standards
At Meadowlark Optics, people are our strength and we believe in providing them with the best tools to do the job. The precision and quality our customers demand are part of everything we do.
At the heart of our process is our precision metrology. This automated ellipsom- eter provides fast, accurate Capabilities retardance measurements. Quality Ordering
Proprietary analytical tools, state-of-the-art system and component designs, as well as computer-con- trolled manufacturing equipment come together to ensure quality and consistency in all Meadowlark Optics products.
All our optical components and instrumentation are assembled to some of the most exacting standards in the in- dustry by our highly trained staff. We take precision seriously and we back it up with our warranty.
[email protected] • (303) 833-4333 • www.meadowlark.com 79 Ordering Information
Payment Terms Five Easy Ways to Order! US and Canadian customers are eligible for Net 30 Day terms, 1. Telephone (303) 833-4333 Our Sales Staff is available upon credit approval. Prepayment is generally required for Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (Mountain international orders. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Time) to assist you. Express are also gladly accepted. 2. Fax (303) 833-4335 3. E-mail [email protected] Product Returns 4. Mail PO Box 1000 If you need to return a product, please contact Meadowlark Frederick, CO 80530-1000 Optics for an authorization number to aid in tracking returned United States of America goods. Freight charges must be prepaid. All returned catalog 5. Website www.meadowlark.com products meeting specification are subject to a 25%
Capabilities restocking charge. Custom products performing to specification can not be returned for credit or refund. Shipping We will use our best judgement regarding shipping method, Specifications unless a specific carrier is requested. Freight charges are prepaid and added to the invoice. Listed specifications are accurate as of the publication date. Product improvements and design changes may alter product specifications without notice. International Distributors For a list of our current international distributors, please visit
Quality our website: www.meadowlark.com Customer-Furnished Material Although great care is taken in handling all customer furnished material (CFM), occasionally parts may be damaged Export Control Laws in process. CFM is accepted at customer risk. Meadowlark Due to the high technical precision and diverse applications Optics is not responsible for damage or breakage to CFM. of Meadowlark Optics products, the export or re-export of this merchandise may be controlled by US export control Warranty regulations. The products are offered for sale under the express consideration that the buyer will conform with these All products in this catalog are warranted against defects in laws. materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment. Liability of Meadowlark Optics is limited to Ordering the defective product value only. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code Extended warranties are available. For more information, Meadowlark Optics is pleased to be an authorized supplier for contact Meadowlark Optics for specific details. all Department of Defense requirements. We are FAR 52.225 compliant.
As always, Meadowlark Optics products are made right here, Please note our CAGE code is 3Z151 in Colorado.
Made in USA
80 www.meadowlark.com • (303) 833-4333 • [email protected]