Polarization Rotators

The Polarization Rotator is the basis of all our photonics products. Rotators are used to quickly and accurately modulate the polarization state of an incoming light beam. Our devices are electro-optical so they elicit an optical response with an electrical input.

Polarization rotators, used in research and product development, are suited for optical switching, polarimetry, and image enhancement (microscopy).

The rotator works as an electrically switchable half-wave plate. This electro-optic component converts one state of optical polarization into the orthogonal states (rotates linearly polarized light 90°). The cell is activated by applying 5V dc across the wire leads. Reversing the polarity controls the state of the cell.

The polarization rotators are centered for operation in the visible spectrum. Rotators are available in two wavelength options:

• a set centered wavelength of 510nm
• customized wavelengths from 400nm – 1550nm

The centerline is 510nm (this corresponds to a retardance of 255nm). The device yields an exact halfwave response in green (510nm), slightly more than halfwave in blue (450nm), and less than a halfwave in red (650nm).

Polarization Rotators are offered in three aperture sizes in two types of housings:

• 13mm – circular housing
• 25mm – circular or square housing
• 45mm – circular housing

For custom orders, contact our sales team.