AQWP2 - Quarter Waveplates
The AQWP2 is a lower cost alternative than multi layer achromatic retarders. The achromatic quarterwave retarder converts incoming plane polarized light into circular polarization the same as AQWP3 but has a smaller effective bandwidth. The AQWP2 broadband waveplate is popular with micro display manufacturers needing to miniaturize wearable products or for optical isolation in display systems.
AQWP2
Vis Achromatic Quarterwave Retarder
- Active Range: 410nm-660nm
- Lowest cost broadband retarder
- True zero order
- Wide angle of acceptance
- Very large clear apertures
- Free standing or laminated between glass
- Large aperture available, 100mm OD
Specification Focus
- .02 waves tolerance
- 99% internal transmittance
Spec Downloads
Glass Laminated
Economical Visible Broadband Quarterwave Retarder
Bolder Vision custom manufactures broadband quarterwave retarders 410-660nm. Our glass laminated retarder delivers low transmitted wavefront distortion, high internal transmittance and very large clear apertures.Custom Sizes
BVO will manufacture any size glass for your requirements. OEM wafer slicing or water jet cutting available.AQWP2 Broadband Quarterwave Retarder Component
| Birefringent Material | Polymer, sandwiched between BK-7 substrates |
| Recommended Wavelength Range | λ/4, over visible region from 410 – 660nm |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 Scratch-Dig |
| Substrates | BK-7, grade-A, fine annealed |
| AR Coating | R ≤ 0.65% loss per surface (normal incidence) average, BBAR 400-900nm wavelength range |
| Size | 25.4mm outer diameter, 80% clear aperture (20mm) |
| Acceptance Angle | ± 15 degrees |
| Unit Thickness | 4.15mm +/- .20mm |
| Optic Axis Stability | ≤ 2 degree |
| Wavefront Distortion | λ/4 @ 632.8nm |
| Temperature Range | -20° C to 60° C |
| Wedge | ≤ 2 minutes |
| Damage Threshold | CW: 500 Watt/cm2 Vis Pulsed: .3 J/cm2 10 nsec pulses @ 532nm |
Visible Broadband Quarterwave Retarder
A single film broadband quarter waveplate. The AQWP2 retarder does not exhibit the dramatic dispersion seen in single layer retarder films or suffer from high out of plane retardance. The AQWP2 is available as a free standing film, but is only 90 microns thick.
Advantages of broadband retarders
Distinctly useful for OEM applications
Form Factor – Free standing waveplates can be sliced or die cut specifically for custom applications. The AQWP2 retarder can be cut into geometric shapes using a digital cutter.
Cost – Per unit cost contracts due to less raw materials and labor. The retardation characteristics are exactly the same as our standard product. Some designs do not call for low transmitted wavefront or high abrasion resistance. If this is true for you, the free standing polymer achromatic waveplate may be a wise choice to consider.
AQWP2 – Economic Quarterwave Retarder Film Specifications
| Birefringent Material | Modified polymer |
| Polymer Index of Refraction | 1.58 |
| Polymer Thickness | .09mm, +/- 0.05mm |
| Optional AR Coating | R ≤ .75% per surface Avg., 400-700nm |
| Environmental | 60° C at 90% RH for 1000 hours 80° C for 1000 hours dry, -30° C for 1000 hours dry -20° C (1 hour) to 75° C (1 hour) for 100 cycles |
