. Basic Definition & Types

Waveplate (Retardation Plate): A passive optical component made of birefringent crystals such as quartz. It introduces a precise phase difference between two orthogonal polarized light components to alter the polarization state of light.

Half-Wave Plate (HWP, λ/2 Plate): Provides a phase shift of 180°, used to rotate the direction of linearly polarized light.

Quarter-Wave Plate (QWP, λ/4 Plate): Provides a phase shift of 90°, enabling conversion between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light.

2. Core Specifications (Murata Quartz Waveplates)

1) Material & Structure

Material: High-durability synthetic quartzCut Type: X-cut / Y-cut (Z-cut plates are not applicable)

Structure Classification:

• Multiple-order Waveplate: Single piece, relatively thick and easy to use; sensitive to wavelength and temperature changes.

• Zero-order Composite Waveplate: Assembled with two plates with mutually orthogonal optical axes; features low temperature drift and wide operating bandwidth.

• True Zero-order Waveplate: Ultra-thin single piece (micrometer level); delivers optimal phase stability, yet difficult to manufacture.

2) Specification Range

Design Wavelength: 193 nm ~ 930 nm (covers ultraviolet to near-infrared band)Retardance Accuracy: 180°±5° for λ/2 Plate; 90°±5° for λ/4 Plate (at design wavelength)Dimensions: φ10 ~ φ50 mm (circular), 5 ~ 50 mm (square)Thickness: 0.1 ~ 2.0 mm (varies by model)Surface Figure Accuracy: Wavefront error ≤ λ/4 (P-V) @ 632.8 nmTransmittance: ≥ 98% ~ 99% (at design wavelength, with AR coating)Coating: Broadband Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

3. Typical Model Examples (For Inquiry)

• λ/4 Plate, Zero-order, 650 nm, φ20 mm

• λ/2 Plate, Multiple-order, 1064 nm, 10×10 mm

4. Application Scope

Optical Storage & Display

Polarization control for DVD / Blu-ray read-write heads and LCD projectors.

Lasers & Optical Communication

Laser processing, interferometers, polarization analyzers and polarization management for optical fiber communication.

Semiconductors & Precision Optics

Photolithography equipment, precision measurement instruments and scientific research devices.

Medical & Automotive Applications

Medical diagnostic equipment and automotive optical sensors (polarization imaging).

5. Advantages of Murata Products

• Vertical Integration: Self-produced quartz raw materials ensure stable quality and excellent consistency.

• High Durability: Excellent laser damage resistance, temperature and humidity resistance, suitable for long-term industrial operation.

• High Precision: Low wavefront distortion and tight phase tolerance, meeting the requirements of high-precision optical applications.