| Image | Part Number | Description / PDF | Quantity | Rfq |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Excelitas Technologies |
POL. BEAMSPL. CUBE, 450-550NM; L |
1 |
|
Optical polarizers are devices that select or modify specific polarization states of light. They operate based on principles of electromagnetic wave manipulation, allowing transmission of light with particular oscillation orientations while blocking others. Polarizers play critical roles in imaging systems, display technologies, optical communication, and scientific instrumentation by controlling light polarization to enhance contrast, reduce glare, or enable polarization-sensitive measurements.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Polarizers | Transmit single-plane polarized light, available in dichroic, wire-grid, or birefringent formats | Photography filters, LCD panels, stress analysis |
| Circular Polarizers | Combine linear polarizers with quarter-wave plates to produce rotating polarization | 3D cinema systems, optical isolation in lasers |
| Beam-Splitting Polarizers | Separate input light into orthogonal polarization components | Interferometry, polarization microscopy |
| Tunable Polarizers | Electrically/optically adjustable polarization states | Adaptive optics, optical communication systems |
Typical polarizer structures include: - Dichroic Polarizers: Organic dye molecules aligned in polymer matrices (e.g., iodine-doped PVA films) - Wire-Grid Polarizers: Nano-scale metallic gratings on glass substrates - Birefringent Crystals: Anisotropic materials like calcite or quartz with polarization-dependent refractive indices - Waveplates: Retardance films (e.g., polycarbonate, quartz) for polarization state conversion Advanced designs incorporate metamaterial layers for enhanced spectral performance and durability coatings for high-power applications.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Extinction Ratio | Ratio of transmitted intensities between desired and blocked polarization states | Determines polarization purity (typical: 100:1 to 100000:1) |
| Wavelength Range | Operational spectral window (e.g., VIS: 400-700nm, NIR: 700-1100nm) | Defines application compatibility |
| Transmission Efficiency | Percentage of desired polarization state passing through | Impacts system signal-to-noise ratio |
| Laser Damage Threshold | Maximum power density withstand capability | Critical for high-power laser applications |
Key industries and equipment: - Imaging: DSLR cameras, machine vision systems, medical endoscopes - Displays: LCD/OLED backlights, augmented reality headsets - Telecommunications: Fiber optic transceivers, DWDM systems - Scientific: Spectroscopy, ellipsometry, quantum optics experiments - Industrial: Stress analysis in manufacturing, polarization-sensitive sensors
| Manufacturer | Representative Products | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Thorlabs | VLP1-400-700 | Variable extinction ratio linear polarizer (400-700nm) |
| Edmund Optics | 59-875 | High-damage-threshold wire-grid polarizer |
| Meadowlark Optics | 10LCR-03 | Electrically tunable liquid crystal polarizer |
Key selection factors: - Match wavelength range to source spectrum - Balance extinction ratio and transmission efficiency - Consider environmental factors (temperature, humidity) - Evaluate laser damage threshold for high-power systems - For imaging applications: prioritize angular field-of-view tolerance - Case Study: LCD manufacturing uses dichroic polarizers with >95% transmission at 550nm wavelength.
Current development directions: - Metasurface-based polarizers with subwavelength control - Integration with CMOS sensors for on-chip polarization imaging - Broadband tunable polarizers using liquid crystal and MEMS technologies - High-energy laser-compatible polarizers with >50J/cm damage thresholds - Miniaturization for LiDAR and mobile device applications