Wave Plate Types​

1.Multiple Order

• Material/Structure: Quartz/Single Plate

• Supported Retardance: 1/4 λ and 1/2 λ

• Retardance Accuracy: ±λ/200

• Design Wavelength [nm]: 266–1550

• Size [mm]: Max Dia.152.4

• Surface Quality: 10/20

• Coating Type: V Coat

• Reflectance per Surface [%]: R<0.2%

• Remarks: Maximum size of 6 inches

• Temperature Dependency: High

• Wavelength Dependency: High

• Applications: General-purpose use, cost-efficient option

​

2. Compound Zero Order

• Material/Structure: Quartz/Two Layers

• Supported Retardance: 1/4 λ and 1/2 λ

• Retardance Accuracy: ±λ/200

• Design Wavelength [nm]: 266–1550

• Size [mm]: Max Dia.76.2

• Surface Quality: 10/20

• Coating Type: V Coat

• Reflectance per Surface [%]: R<0.2%

• Remarks: Thickness limit: Minimum 80µm @Dia.76.2mm

• Temperature Dependency: Low

• Wavelength Dependency: Low

• Applications: Environments requiring medium precision, suitable for applications needing stability and accuracy

​

  3. True Zero Order

• Material/Structure: Quartz/Single Plate

• Supported Retardance: 1/2 λ

• Retardance Accuracy: ±λ/200

• Design Wavelength [nm]: 1030–1550

• Size [mm]: Max Dia.76.2

• Surface Quality: 10/20

• Coating Type: V Coat

• Reflectance per Surface [%]: R<0.2%

• Remarks: Thickness limit: Minimum 50µm @Dia.25.4mm

• Temperature Dependency: Very low

• Wavelength Dependency: Very low

• Applications: High-precision, high-performance environments, essential for applications requiring the highest level of precision
   

Features

• High-quality quartz crystal wave plates made with in-house grown synthetic quartz crystals, used as the birefringent material.

• Phase accuracy up to ±1° can be accommodated with high-precision thickness processing.

• We can design and supply wave plates to meet your specific requirements for design wavelengths and/or retardations.

• Multiple order, compound zero order, and true zero order types are available.

• Large sizes and thin types are supported.

• External dimensions up to 4 inches and thicknesses from 50 µm (minimum for true zero order) are available. Chipping from wafers can also be performed upon request.

​

Retardance

• A λ/4 wave plate converts linear polarization into circular polarization.

• A λ/2 wave plate converts linear polarization with the plane of polarization rotated by 90°.

​

λ/4 Wave Plate

• Converts linear polarization into circular polarization.

λ/2 Wave Plate

• Converts linear polarization into another linear polarization with a 90° rotated plane.
   

Competitiveness and Features
Quartz Crystal Wave Plate, NDK

NDK's N-Grade EX:
One of the highest-grade synthetic quartz crystals produced by NDK, used as the core material in the NDK product line. Particularly suitable for wave plates and high-performance optical products.
 

Key Features of N-Grade EX Quartz Crystals

Inclusion Density (pcs/cm²):

• Grade Ia: 0 inclusions >100µm

• Higher transparency and thermal-mechanical durability due to lower inclusion density.

Thermal Relaxation Factor (α-Value):

• N-Grade EX: 0.015

• Lower α-values indicate less thermal variation and higher stability.

Etch Channel Density (pcs/cm²):

• Grade 1aa: 2 (very low impurity level)

• Improved internal quality of quartz crystals.

Aluminum Impurity (ppb):

• N-Grade EX: Approximately 25 ppb (significantly lower than N-Grade ~170 ppb).

• Very low aluminum content is essential for high-power laser and radiation environments.

• The unique crystal growth process minimizes impurities, ensuring high purity.

​

​

Laser Types and Applications

1. Excimer Laser (193nm/248nm)

   • Main Features: High output, low absorption

   • Core Wavelengths: 193nm, 248nm

   • Applications:

     • Semiconductor: Photolithography

     • MEMS Manufacturing: Precision cutting

     • Medical: LASIK, PRK, LASEK (corneal and vision correction)

     • Dermatology: Skin treatment, pigmentation removal, tattoo removal
        

2. Solid-State Laser (532nm/1070nm)

   • Main Features: Versatile for industrial and medical fields

   • Core Wavelengths: 532nm, 1064nm, 1550nm

   • Applications:

     • Semiconductor: Welding

     • Medical: Lithotripsy

     • Environment/Monitoring: LIDAR systems (measurement and monitoring)

     • Imaging: High-performance imaging lenses and filters

     • 3D scanning and precision laser systems
        

3. HeNe Laser (632.8nm)

   • Main Features: Low output, unstable emission

   • Core Wavelengths: 632.8nm

   • Applications:

     • Semiconductor: Precision measurement

     • Environmental Science: Scientific optical instruments

     • Experimental Equipment: Research-oriented setups​