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VLOC is a recognized leader in the growth and manufacture of laser crystals, materials and optical components for the solid state laser market. Here you will find information regarding Lightweight Optics, Thin Film Coatings, Laser Optics, Laser Crystals, Waveplates, Yag Crystals.
 
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About VLOC

VLOC is a subsidiary of II-VI Incorporated (II-VI), a publicly traded company listed under the trading symbol IIVI on the NASDAQ National Market.

Located on the West Coast of Florida, near Tampa, VLOC operates out of facilities totaling 65,000 Sq. ft. and employs approximately 200 employees.

Find out more about VLOC

7826 Photonics Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34655
Tel: 727.375.VLOC (8562)
Fax: 727.375.5300
EMail: info@vloc.com
http://www.vloc.com

Waveplates

Waveplate Highlighted ContentA quartz retarder, or waveplate, is an optic in which the polished face contains the optical axis. All light incident normal to the surface is composed of components polarized parallel and perpendicular to the axis. In such a device, light polarized parallel to the axis will propagate slower than light polarized perpendicular to the axis. As this light propagates through the optic, the phase shift between the two components increases with thickness. This phase shift is called the retardance of the waveplate and is usually expressed in fractions of the light's wavelength.

The most popular retarders are quarter and half wave. When linearly polarized light is input at 45° to the axis of a quarter waveplate, the output is circularly polarized; similarly, input circularly polarized light is transformed into linearly polarized light. One use of a quarter waveplate is in conjunction with a linear polarizer to create an optical isolator (a one-way valve for light). A half waveplate rotates linearly polarized light to any desired orientation.

Multiple and Zero Order Waveplates

With an appropriate choice of thickness, any degree of retardance may be achieved at any wavelength for which quartz is transparent. However, the minimum thickness necessary to achieve a mechanically strong part corresponds to several full waves of retardance. The multiple order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction (e.g. 10¼). This results in a single, physically robust component with the desired performance. However, even small changes in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance.

A zero order waveplate is constructed of two multiple order waveplates (optically contacted, bonded or airspaced) with their axes crossed. Thus, the effect of the first plate is canceled by the second, except for the residual difference between them. For example, crossing a 10¼ wave retarder with a 10 wave retarder results in a unit with an overall retardance of one quarter wave. Any temperature or wavelength induced changes in retardance are also nearly canceled out due to this construction. A zero order waveplate thus provides better thermal and spectral stability than a multiple order waveplate, while offering similar mechanical strength characteristics.

Custom Capabilities

VLOC carries over 100,000 uncoated waveplates in inventory and has developed computer-aided selection software to allow us to quickly match customer requests for both multiple and zero order retarders. This allows quick response for prototype orders. Typical retardance tolerance is between λ/200 to λ/600. Custom orders can be manufactured to any specific retardance in a variety of sizes and shapes. Please contact our sales engineers to discuss your special quartz polarization component requirements.

From Laser Focus World

Waveplates

MICROSCOPY: Differential-polarization technique enables precise 3-D nanoimaging
A reflective optical arrangement that allows control of the properties of polarized light has enabled development of an optical-imaging technique for precise 3-D thickness, dimensional, roughness, profile and step-height measurements at the nanometer scale.
Laser Focus World, December 01, 2006
OPTICAL MATERIALS: X-plate quartz enables large birefringent optics
Larger quartz optical waveplates are on the way, thanks to a newly developed quartz-culturing process that grows crystals in an optimum shape.
Laser Focus World, August 01, 2006
Newsbreaks
Two-color IR photodetectors, often with detection bands in the 3- to 5-µm and 8- to 12-µm wavelength regions, are useful for remote measurement of temperature.
Laser Focus World, September 01, 2005