AHWP3 Achromatic Half Waveplate

Active Range: 425 nm – 750 nm | Broadband Visible HWP | ±0.01 waves | Polarization Rotator | Doc: BVO.AHWP3.PB.202401

425–750 nm λ/2 Achromatic ±0.01 waves Polarization Rotator Off-Shelf $595

AHWP3 is BVO's broadband visible achromatic half waveplate covering 425–750 nm. Rotates the incoming plane of polarization by twice the optic axis angle across the full visible band — eliminating the need for multiple single-wavelength waveplates. The most common configuration is 90° rotation with the optic axis at 45°. True zero order multi-layer fused polymer construction. Popular for micro display (white light), analytical instrumentation with LED and laser diode sources, and multi-wavelength systems.

425–750 nm

Active Range

±0.01 waves

Retardance Tolerance

99%

Internal Transmittance

AHWP3 — Retardance vs Wavelength

Active Range: 425–750 nm | Target: 0.5000 waves (λ/2) | Tolerance: ±0.01 waves (0.490–0.510)

Key Features

Broadband achromatic λ/2 retardance 425–750 nm — single element replaces multiple single-wavelength waveplates

Rotates plane of polarization by 2× optic axis angle — 90° rotation at 45° optic axis orientation

True zero order multi-layer fused polymer — no adhesive, no dispersion of single-layer films

±0.01 waves retardance tolerance across the full active range

99% internal transmittance

Large clear aperture — 25.4mm OD standard (20mm clear), to 100mm OD custom

Wide acceptance angle ±15°

BBAR anti-reflection coated — 400–900 nm R ≤ 0.65% per surface (component)

Free-standing film (FSA) available — 0.35mm thick, PSA conversion, OEM slicing and die cutting

Off-shelf 25.4mm OD at $595 each; custom OEM sizes available

Standard Component Specifications (Glass Laminated)

Parameter

Value

Retardance

λ/2, achromatic 425–750 nm

Retardance Tolerance

±0.01 waves

Birefringent Material

Multi-layer fused polymer, sandwiched between BK-7 substrates

Substrates

BK-7, grade-A, fine annealed

Surface Quality

40-20 Scratch-Dig

AR Coating

BBAR 400–900 nm, R ≤ 0.65% per surface average

Outer Diameter

25.4mm OD ± 0.20mm

Clear Aperture

80% (20mm)

Thickness

6.35mm ± 0.20mm

Acceptance Angle

±15 degrees

Optic Axis Stability

≤2 degrees

Wavefront Distortion

λ/4 at 632nm

Beam Deviation

2 arc minutes

Temperature Range

−20°C to 60°C

Damage Threshold

500 W/cm² CW | 0.3 J/cm² @ 10ns, 523nm

Internal Transmittance

99%

Off-Shelf Price

$595 each, 25.4mm OD

Free Standing Film (FSA) Specifications

Parameter

Value

Birefringent Material

Fused polymers — no adhesive

Film Thickness

0.35mm ± 0.05mm

Surface Quality

60-40 Scratch-Dig

Index of Refraction

1.58

Optional AR Coating

R ≤ 0.75% per surface average, 400–700 nm

PSA Conversion

Available

Film Cut Tolerances

±50 microns

Environmental

60°C at 90% RH for 1000h | 80°C dry 1000h | −30°C dry 1000h | −20°C to 75°C thermal cycling ×100

Custom Cutting

OEM wafer slicing, .dxf routing/cutting, die cutting

Maximum Dimension

Contact BVO for quote

Applications

Polarization RotationRotates the plane of polarization by twice the optic axis angle. Set optic axis at 45° for 90° rotation — converts horizontal to vertical polarization across 425–750 nm.

Micro Display / White LightBroadband visible HWP for white-light micro display systems. Single element covers full visible band for polarization management in white-light projectors and displays.

Analytical InstrumentationMulti-wavelength polarization rotation for analytical instruments using LEDs, laser diodes, and broadband visible sources. Eliminates multiple single-wavelength waveplates.

Laser Polarization RotationRotates laser polarization state broadband across 425–750 nm. Works with multiple laser lines in one component — 445nm, 532nm, 633nm, 660nm, 750nm all covered.

InterferometryPrecise broadband λ/2 retardance for interferometric polarization management and beam preparation across the visible band.

EllipsometryBroadband visible half waveplate for rotating the polarization state of the probe beam in spectroscopic ellipsometry instruments.

OEM Display SystemsFree-standing film format for direct lamination into compact OEM display optical stacks. PSA conversion and custom die cutting available.

Fiber CouplingRotates linear polarization state for alignment with slow/fast axes in polarization-maintaining fiber coupling across the visible band.

AHWP3 Achromatic Half Waveplate

Key Features

Standard Component Specifications (Glass Laminated)

Free Standing Film (FSA) Specifications

Applications

Contact Bolder Vision Optik