Higher Order S-Waveplate Polarization converter

Higher-order S-waveplate converts linear polarization to higher-order polarization patterns.

Main features

  • Converts linear polarization to higher-order polarization patterns.
  • Converts circular polarization to an optical vortex.
  • Can generate higher topological charge optical vortices.
  • High damage threshold: 63,4 J/cm² @1064 nm, 10 ns and 2,2 J/cm² @1030 nm, 212 fs.
  • 94% transmission @ 1st harmonic, 85% @ 3rd harmonic, 92% @ 2nd harmonic, of most SS lasers, no AR coating.
  • 100% polarization conversion.
  • A large aperture (up to 15 mm; the standard is 6 mm).
  • No glued components – more resistant to heat.
  • Continuous pattern – no segments.
  • No “ineffective center” problems.

Detailed description

Higher-order S-waveplate converts linear polarization to higher-order polarization patterns.

The fabrication of s-waveplates is based on the inscription of self-organized nanograting’s inside fused silica glass using a femtosecond laser.

LIDT measurements at fs regime (full report) and ns regime (full report) show our S-waveplates have laser irradiation resistance similar to uncoated fused silica substrates. LIDT value measured at 1064 nm, ~10 ns is 63,4 J/cm² and it is not dropping while increasing exposure time. It proves, our waveplates are very high performance and suitable for high power laser applications.


Examples of fast axis patterns for 2nd (left), 3rd (center), and 4th (right) order S-Waveplates (measured with Hinds Instruments Exicor MicroImager).

Combining HOS with an axicon enables vector Bessel beams (VBBs) to be obtained that can be used for the efficient drilling of transparent materials.

Main benefits

  • Allows focusing into smaller spot size (using NA > 0.9)
  • Ensures the same machining properties in all directions
  • Ensures the same cutting speed in all directions
  • Enable ring-shaped intensity distribution in focus (at NA <0.8)
  • Increases cutting speed
  • Suitable for high LIDT applications
  • Suitable for high power lasers

Application examples

  • STED microscopy
  • Micromachining
  • Micro drilling high-aspect-ratio channels
  • Generate any cylindrical vector vortex
  • Multiple particle trapping
  • Micro-mill is driven by optical tweezers
  • Use as an intracavity polarization-controlling element in cladding-pumped ytterbium-doped fiber laser for radially polarized output beam generation

References

  1. Mendoza-Hernández, J., Ferrer-Garcia, M. F., Rojas-Santana, J. A., & Lopez-Mago, D. (2019). Cylindrical vector beam generator using a two-element interferometer. Optics express27(22), 31810-31819.
  2. Justas Baltrukonis, Orestas Ulcinas, Pavel Gotovski, Sergej Orlov, Vytautas Jukna, “Realization of higher order vector Bessel beams for transparent material processing applications,” Proc. SPIE 11268, Laser-based Micro- and Nanoprocessing XIV, 112681D (2 March 2020); doi: 10.1117/12.2545093
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WORKSHOP OF PHOTONICS
Mokslininku st. 6A, Vilnius, LT-08412, Lithuania

Phone: +370 5 215 7551
E-mail: [email protected]

Company details

Altechna R&D, UAB
Company code 301502628
VAT code LT100006155012
Bank – SEB 70440
LT87 7044 0600 0770 8092