Download Operation manual (PDF)

S-Waveplate brochure

• Converts linear polarization to radial or azimuthal
• Can be used to create an optical vortex
• High damage threshold
• Nearly 100% efficiency in polarization conversion for dedicated wavelengths
• 50-90% transmission (AR coatings applicable)
• Large aperture possible (up to 10 mm or bigger; standard is 6 mm)
• No glued components – more resistant to heat
• No “ineffective center” problem
• No segment stitching

Benefits for laser micro-machining

• Helps achieving smaller spot size
• Ensures the same machining properties in all directions*
• Complex trajectories are made featuring the same track width**
• Ensures the same cutting speed in all directions
• Increases cutting speed
• Processed surface interacts with p waves which provides maximum absorption of radiation.

 *When processing materials with linearly polarized light, features are bigger in width, when machining is performed in the direction perpendicular to polarization of the beam and vice versa.

**This is useful for example in fabrication of microfluidics, whereas later chemical etching retains the same characteristics through all the channel.

Benefits for use in Optical Tweezers

• Increases trapping force
• Might trap particles with lower refractive index comparing to surroundings

Description

Prof. Peter G. Kazansky group from Optoelectronics Research Centre at Southampton University developed a direct laser writing technique for production of radial polarization converters also called as Z polarizer, Z-plate or q-plate.

Primary applications for such radial polarizers are in laser machining, microscopy and optical tweezers as well as Raman spectroscopy systems. Unique features of this converter are that it is made in the volume of monolytic fused silica (UVFS) window, therefore resistant against high power laser radiation; AR coatings might be applied; and a single element is used both for polarization conversion to radial/azimuthal and generation of optical vortices.

Fig.1 Radial or azimuth polarization beam intensity distribution.

Method of Use


Cylindrically symmetric polarization (radial or azimuthal) generation

Following step-by-step procedure must be done in order to generate radial or azimuthal polarization beams.

Simplified approach

a)      Place the polarization converter directly into linearly polarized laser beam.

b)      Align the center of the converter with the optical axis of the incident laser beam.

c)      Check the alignment with linear polarizer placed after converter. The dumbbell shape must be symmetric for all polarizer angles.

d)     Polarization state of the output beam can be controlled by rotating the converter or the incident polarization (by rotating λ/2 waveplate placed before converter). If the dumbbell shape is aligned along linear polarizer transmission axis, the output polarization is radial. If the dumbbell shape is perpendicular to the polarizer transmission axis, the output polarization is azimuthal.

Universal approach

e)      Mount a λ/2 waveplate into a kinematic holder

f)       Place the polarization converter into the path of linearly polarized beam

g)      Align the center of the converter with the optical axis of the incident laser beam

h)      Check the alignment with linear polarizer placed after converter. The dumbbell shape must be symmetric for all polarizer angles

i)        Polarization state (radial/azimuthal) of the output beam can be controlled by rotating the converter or the incident polarization (by rotating λ/2 waveplate).

If the dumbbell shape is aligned along linear polarizer transmission axis, the output polarization is radial. If the dumbbell shape is perpendicular to the polarizer transmission axis, the output polarization is azimuthal.

Optical Vortex Generation Using Radial Polarization Converter

Radial polarization converter can also be used to generate optical vortex beam. Following step-by-step procedure must be done in order to generate optical vortex beam using radial converter:

1. Place the polarization converter into circularly polarized laser beam.
2. Align the center of the converter with the optical axis of the incident laser beam.

Note: The sign of the optical vortex charge „+“, „-“ is controlled by the handedness of the incident circular polarization.

Testimonials

Southampton University applied for patent application and appointed exclusivity in commercialising activities for Altechna R&D Ltd. Custom development of machining heads and optical assemblies incorporating the radial polarizer is possible on request

	Converts linear polarization to radial or azimuthal
	Can be used to create an optical vortex
	High damage threshold
	Nearly 100% efficiency in polarization conversion for dedicated wavelengths
	50-90% transmission (AR coatings applicable)
	Large aperture possible (up to 10 mm or bigger; standard is 4 mm)
	No glued components – more resistant to heat
	No “ineffective center” problem