Workshop of Photonics® Launches ORISANDO® - A New Brand for Space-Variant Retarders

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Workshop of Photonics® Launches ORISANDO® – A New Brand for Space-Variant Retarders

13 November, 2025

Workshop of Photonics® Launches ORISANDO® – A New Brand for Space-Variant Retarders

WOP | Workshop of Photonics®, a global provider of femtosecond laser micromachining solutions, is proud to announce the launch of ORISANDO®, a new brand dedicated exclusively to the development and manufacturing of Space-Variant Retarders (SVRs) – optical elements designed for precise polarization control and high-power laser applications.

“ORISANDO® represents both the culmination and the continuation of more than two decades of laser micromachining expertise at WOP,” said Andrius Šlekys, Head of Business Development at Workshop of Photonics.

“By creating a dedicated brand, we aim to bring even greater clarity, focus, and innovation to the field of polarization optics and advanced laser applications.”

A Decade of Innovation in Polarization Optics

WOP first introduced space-variant retarders (SVRs) to the market in 2012, utilizing a proprietary femtosecond laser micromachining technology that enables the creation of self-organized periodic nanostructures, known as nanogratings, within the bulk of the high-purity fused silica.

After more than a decade of success and global recognition in the optics and photonics industry, WOP established ORISANDO® in 2025 as a distinct brand to strengthen its position in the growing field of advanced polarization optics.

Visit orisando.com

Meaning Behind the Name

The brand name ORISANDO® embodies both technical originality and symbolic depth.

“ORI” reflects originality and a unique production approach.
“SANDŌ,” derived from Japanese, represents a pathway, symbolizing the journey of light.
“SAND” references the fused silica glass derived from pure quartz sand, the foundation of the optical elements.

Framed by two “O” s, the name symbolizes the optical elements themselves. The logo’s design represents a stylized light path leading to the final “O,” emphasizing the fusion of science and precision engineering.

Patented Technology

ORISANDO® SVRs are engineered using patented direct laser writing technology (Patent No. WO2019244120A4: Manufacturing Method of Spatially Modulated Waveplates).

This technique enables the formation of self-organized nanogratings within the bulk of fused silica, resulting in exceptionally stable, precise, and laser damage-resistant birefringent structures. Unlike conventional thin films or surface coatings, these bulk nanostructures maintain superior optical stability even under demanding conditions.

Exceptional Accuracy and Design Freedom

Each ORISANDO® SVR is built with tailored birefringent properties that can be controlled with nanometric precision across five degrees of freedom, including the spatial positioning of birefringent zones, the retardance magnitude and modulation pattern, orientation of the birefringence axis, aperture geometry and beam profile control, and depth and structural density.

This versatility allows ORISANDO® to produce flat optical elements capable of manipulating light’s polarization, phase, and amplitude with unparalleled precision and reproducibility.

Ideal for High-Power and Ultrafast Laser Applications

ORISANDO® SVRs exhibit ultra-high laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDT), making them ideal for integration into high-power laser systems used in:

Precision materials processing
Laser micromachining
Spectroscopy and imaging
Optical communications
Beam shaping and depolarization correction

Their internal nanostructures ensure long-term stability, minimal scattering, and high transmission, maintaining performance even in femtosecond and nanosecond laser environments.

A Legacy of Optical Innovation

With over 20 years of experience, WOP delivers fully integrated solutions: from feasibility studies and prototyping to micromachining services and tailor-made laser workstations. The creation of ORISANDO® reinforces WOP’s long-term commitment to advancing photonics manufacturing and optical engineering.

About WOP | Workshop of Photonics®

Founded in 2003, WOP | Workshop of Photonics® is a well-known expert in femtosecond laser micromachining, serving industrial and scientific clients worldwide. The company specializes in developing custom laser processing technologies, micromachining services, and bespoke laser workstations.

About ORISANDO®

ORISANDO®, established by Workshop of Photonics in 2025, is a dedicated brand for Space-Variant Retarders (SVRs) – advanced birefringent optical elements fabricated using patented femtosecond laser nanostructuring. ORISANDO® products are designed to enable precise polarization control, beam shaping, and phase manipulation for cutting-edge photonics and laser applications.

Visit orisando.com