AI Content Index › Waveplates › AQWP3
AQWP3 Achromatic Quarter Waveplate
Active Range: 400 nm – 750 nm | Broadband Visible QWP | ±0.01 waves | True Zero Order | Doc: BVO.AQWP3.PB.202401
400–750 nm
λ/4 Achromatic
±0.01 waves
99% Transmittance
Off-Shelf $595
AQWP3 is BVO's broadband visible achromatic quarter waveplate covering 400–750 nm. Converts incoming linearly polarized light to circular polarization across the full visible band — left-hand or right-hand depending on orientation. True zero order multi-layer fused polymer construction eliminates the dramatic wavelength dispersion of single-layer retarder films. Available off-shelf as a 25.4mm OD glass-laminated component, as free-standing film for OEM integration, or custom sizes to 100mm OD.
±0.01 waves
Retardance Tolerance
99%
Internal Transmittance
AQWP3 — Retardance vs Wavelength
Active Range: 400–750 nm | Target: 0.2500 waves (λ/4) | Tolerance: ±0.01 waves (0.240–0.260)
Key Features
- Broadband achromatic λ/4 retardance 400–750 nm — single element replaces multiple single-wavelength waveplates
- True zero order multi-layer fused polymer — no adhesive bonding, no dispersion of single-layer films
- ±0.01 waves retardance tolerance across the full active range
- 99% internal transmittance — minimal insertion loss
- Large clear aperture — 25.4mm OD standard (20mm clear), to 100mm OD custom
- Wide acceptance angle ±15° — tolerant of beam divergence
- BBAR anti-reflection coated — 400–900 nm R ≤ 0.65% per surface (component); R ≤ 0.75% per surface (film)
- Free-standing film (FSA) available — 0.35mm thick, PSA conversion, OEM slicing and die cutting
- Environmentally stable — fused polymer, no adhesive, passes 60°C/90%RH 1000h and thermal cycling
- Off-shelf 25.4mm OD at $595 each; custom OEM wafer slicing and large aperture available
Standard Component Specifications (Glass Laminated)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Retardance | λ/4, achromatic 400–750 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 available |
| Maximum Dimension | Contact BVO for quote |
Applications
Circular Polarization GenerationConverts linearly polarized light to circular polarization across 400–750 nm. Makes left-hand or right-hand circular polarization depending on orientation relative to the linear polarizer.
AR/VR Display OpticsBroadband visible QWP for augmented and virtual reality optical stacks. Pairs with BVO UHC or BVO NIR Ultra linear polarizer for broadband circular polarization systems.
Optical IsolationPrevents back-reflections in laser and LED optical systems using circular polarization isolation across the full visible band in a single element.
Laser Cavity IsolationBroadband visible quarter waveplate for multi-wavelength laser systems. Single AQWP3 covers 400–750 nm, eliminating multiple single-wavelength waveplates.
Ellipsometry & PolarimetryPrecise λ/4 retardance for Stokes polarimetry and ellipsometry instruments across the visible band. ±0.01 waves tolerance supports precision measurement.
Micro Display SystemsOEM quarter waveplate for white-light micro display systems, projectors, and visible polarization management.
NIR Contrast Enhancement MicroscopyCircular polarization for contrast enhancement in reflected-light microscopy and DIC polarized microscopy systems.
Machine Vision Circular IlluminationCircular polarized illumination for machine vision — reduces specular glare without the orientation sensitivity of linear polarization.
Contact Bolder Vision Optik
