Radial waveplate #3683

quartzfor linear polarization conversion

Overview
Radial Polarization Converters (S-waveplates) are space-variant retarders inscribed in fused silica that convert linear polarization into radial or azimuthal polarization and convert circular polarization into optical vortices (donut-shaped beams). They are engineered for polarization control in laser-processing and optical-manipulation applications where reduced focal spot size or vortex beam profiles are required.

Key Features

• Converts linear polarization to radial or azimuthal polarization
• Converts circular polarization to an optical vortex (donut-shaped beam)
• High damage thresholds compatible with nanosecond and femtosecond laser regimes
• Higher-order versions available to generate increased topological charge and complex polarization patterns

Manufacturing
Devices are fabricated by femtosecond-laser inscription of self-organized nanogratings inside fused silica. This process produces space-variant retarders (S-waveplates) with precise local birefringence, optimized for high-damage-threshold laser operation and stable performance under high-intensity irradiation.

Applications

• Micro-drilling and high-aspect-ratio micromachining of metals and dielectrics
• STED microscopy and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy using vortex (donut-shaped) beams
• Laser micromachining of transparent materials; when combined with axicons, higher-order converters can generate vector Bessel beams
• Optical tweezers and multiple-particle trapping using tailored polarization and vortex beam profiles

Technical specifications

• Type: Radial Polarization Converter (S-waveplate)
• Function: Converts linear → radial/azimuthal polarization; circular → optical vortex
• Substrate / Material: Fused silica (nanograting inscription)
• Manufacturing method: Femtosecond-laser inscription of self-organized nanogratings in fused silica
• Damage threshold: High; suitable for nano- and femtosecond laser regimes
• Higher-order options: Available to generate higher-order polarization patterns and optical vortices (increased topological charge)
• Compatibility: Can be combined with axicons to produce vector Bessel beams
• Typical applications: Micromachining, STED and two-photon microscopy, optical tweezers, micro-drilling