Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders are solid state, real-time, continuously tuneable waveplates. Nematic liquid crystals are birefringent materials whose effective birefringence can be changed by varying an applied voltage.
The long axis of the liquid crystal molecules defines the extraordinary (or slow) index. With no voltage present, the molecules lie parallel to the windows and maximum retardance is obtained.
When voltage is applied across the liquid crystal layer, the molecules tip toward the direction of the applied electric field. As voltage increases, the effective birefringence decreases, causing a reduction in retardance.
Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders
-Variable Retarder (LVR/LRC)
-UV Variable Retarder (LVR-UV)
-MWIR Variable Retarder (LVR-MWIR)
-OEM Variable Retarder (LVT)
A selection guide can be found in the Downloads section.
Our standard Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders (LVR) provide a minimum retardance range of ~30 nm to at least half-wave at the specified wavelength. With specific UV devices from 350-450nm and MWIR from 3.6 to 5.7 microns
With an attached compensator(LRC), retardance is guaranteed to range from zero to at least half-wave at the specified wavelength.
Custom retardance ranges (up to a few waves) and custom compensators are available. By removing the temperature control circuitry the LVT series is intended for space constrained or OEM applications.
Contact our Sales Department to discuss your requirements.