Achromatic Quartz-MgF2 Zero-Order Wave Plates provide a much higher degree of retardation accuracy than regular zero-order quartz wave plates. Achromatic Quartz-MgF2 Wave Plates operate over a broad wavelength range, compared to the single wavelength performance of zero-order quartz wave plates.

Newport’s Achromatic Quartz-MgF2 Zero-Order Wave Plates consist of two different birefringent crystals —crystalline quartz and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) — each with a highly efficient broadband antireflection coating, in an air-spaced design. This construction ensures excellent transmitted wavefront quality, while minimizing beam deviation and surface reflection losses. The assembly is mounted in a black anodized aluminum housing for protection and ease of mounting, with the retarder fast axis marked for alignment reference. Because of the air-space design, our Achromatic Quartz-MgF2 Wave Plates have a higher damage threshold than achromatic polymer film wave plates. Achromatic Quartz-MgF2 Wave Plates are ideal for Ultrafast applications.

These Wave Plates are available in λ/4 or λ/2 retardation over five wavelength ranges throughout the visible and near infrared. The standard 25.4 mm outer diameter is convenient for mounting into Newport rotary mounts.

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As Ultrafast Amplifiers evolve to higher and higher powers, there is a need for larger diameter optics with broadband performance. The new larger diameter Achromatic Zero-Order Quartz-MgF2 Waveplates address this need. Available in half or quarter wave retardance, the air spaced waveplates offer high damage resistance and low dispersion. Look for part numbers that begin with a 15RPxx-x.

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Optimized for the Spectra-Physics InsightTM Laser, the 10RP5x-4 waveplates are designed for a very broad wavelength range of 630-1350 nm. Customers have a choice of λ/2 or λ/4 retardations.

For a tutorial on wave plates, view Polarization