LBTEK-Polymer Vortex Retarder

Product Description

LCP/N-BK7 Window, Planar Sandwich Structure with Mechanical Housing
LC Fast Axis: Radially Uniform, Azimuthally Varying, λ/2 Retardance
Polarization-Dependent, Generates Both Vector Polarized and Vortex Beams with Doughnut-Shaped Intensity Distribution
High Efficiency and Stability, Ease of Operation, Dedicated Functionality, Large Acceptance Angle
Operating Wavelength: 405–1550 nm; Topological Charge m: 1–128
Supports Flexible Customization of Specifications

LBTEK Vortex Retarder (VR) is fabricated from an N-BK7 glass substrate and Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) material, featuring a sandwich structure comprising front and back glass substrates with an intermediate LCP functional layer, housed in a standard SM1 lens tube. Within the LCP layer, the fast axis orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is uniform along the radial direction and continuously varies in the azimuthal direction. It exhibits a uniform λ/2 retardance across the entire device plane, making it a single-wavelength device. The vortex retarder has polarization-dependent optical properties; depending on the polarization state of the incident beam, it can be used to generate vector polarized beams or vortex beams with helical phase wavefronts, converting a TEM₀₀ Gaussian beam into a doughnut-shaped intensity distribution (for detailed optical properties in Technical Description). Compared to conventional light field modulation methods, the vortex retarder offers advantages of high efficiency and stability, ease of operation, and dedicated functionality; its true zero-order characteristic also enables lower wavelength sensitivity, higher temperature stability, and a wider acceptance angle. LBTEK offers standard vortex retarder products with operating wavelengths λ from 405 to 1550 nm and topological charge m from 1 to 128, and also supports flexible customization of specifications to meet users' diverse requirements across different applications. Please contact LBTEK Technical Support for more details.

Diagram

Attributes

housing SpecificationsSM1-8A Housing

ReflectivityRavg < 0.5% (0° angle of incidence)

Component MaterialLiquid Crystal Polymer/N-BK7 Window

Angle of Incidence (AOI)±20°

Component sizeØ25.4 × 3.2 mm

Transmitted Wavefront Error＜λ/4 @ 633 nm

Clear ApertureØ21.5 mm

Surface Parallelism＜ 2 arcmin

Center offset＜ 0.5 mm

Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig)40/20

Retardanceλ/2

Operating Temperature-20–80℃

Delay Accuracy & Uniformity±5 nm

Vortex Retarder, m = 1

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±1
Generates Vector Polarized Beams, Including Radially and Azimuthally Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 1 vortex retarder rotates by 180° over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 1 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm, with a conversion efficiency of ≥ 99.5%. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±1; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates vector polarized beams, including the two special cases of radially and azimuthally polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder; in addition, a single dot marks its 0° fast axis, due to the fast-axis sensitivity of the m = 1 vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 1 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR1-405	1	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	2 weeks	Add Cart
VR1-442	1	442 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	2 weeks	Add Cart
VR1-488	1	488 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-520	1	520 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-532	1	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-633	1	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-670	1	670 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-780	1	780 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-795	1	795 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-808	1	808 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-850	1	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-980	1	980 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-1030	1	1030 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR1-1064	1	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-1310	1	1310 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR1-1550	1	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 2

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±2
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 2 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 2 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate and remains parallel to the radial direction; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 2 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm, with a conversion efficiency of ≥ 99.5%. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±2; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 2 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR2-405	2	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-442	2	442 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-488	2	488 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-520	2	520 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-532	2	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR2-633	2	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	2 weeks	Add Cart
VR2-670	2	670 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-780	2	780 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR2-795	2	795 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-808	2	808 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-850	2	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-980	2	980 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR2-1030	2	1030 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$849.82	today	Add Cart
VR2-1064	2	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	2 weeks	Add Cart
VR2-1310	2	1310 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart
VR2-1550	2	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$879.63	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 4

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±4
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 4 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 4 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 4 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±4; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder; in addition, a single dot marks one 0° fast axis.

Pattern of the m = 4 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR4-405	4	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-488	4	488 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-532	4	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-633	4	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-780	4	780 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-850	4	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-980	4	980 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-1064	4	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR4-1550	4	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 8

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±8
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 8 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 8 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 8 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±8; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder; in addition, a single dot marks one 0° fast axis.

Pattern of the m = 8 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR8-405	8	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-488	8	488 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-532	8	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-633	8	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-780	8	780 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-850	8	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-980	8	980 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-1064	8	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart
VR8-1550	8	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$866.81	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 16

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±16
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 16 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 16 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 16 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±16; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 16 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR16-405	16	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR16-532	16	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	2 weeks	Add Cart
VR16-633	16	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR16-850	16	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR16-1064	16	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR16-1550	16	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 32

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø1.0–Ø12.0 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±32
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 32 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 32 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 32 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø1 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±32; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 32 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	Unit Price	Lead Time
VR32-405	32	405 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	3 weeks	Add Cart
VR32-532	32	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR32-633	32	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR32-850	32	850 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR32-1064	32	1064 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart
VR32-1550	32	1550 nm	Ø21.5 mm	$1,040.18	today	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 64

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø3.0–Ø12.0 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±64
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 64 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 64 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 64 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø3 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±64; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 64 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

	Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	File	Unit Price	Compare	Lead Time
	VR64-532	64	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm		$1,040.18		4 weeks	Add Cart
	VR64-633	64	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm		$1,040.18		4 weeks	Add Cart

Vortex Retarder, m = 128

Suitable for Incident Beams with Diameters of Ø3.0–Ø12.0 mm
Generates Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with l = ±128
Generates Higher-order Vector Polarized Beams

The fast-axis orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the LBTEK m = 128 vortex retarder rotates by 180° × 128 over a full 360° azimuthal rotation along the substrate; its appearance under linearly polarized light is shown on the right. The m = 128 vortex retarder is suitable for incident beam sizes between Ø3 mm and Ø12 mm. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, it generates Laguerre-Gaussian beams with l = ±128; when illuminated with linearly polarized light, it generates higher-order vector polarized beams. The smaller the selected topological charge m, the smaller the central null of the beam. On the standard SM1 lens-tube housing, the product name and part number are marked, and four engraved lines indicate the center point of the vortex retarder.

Pattern of the m = 128 Vortex Retarder Under Linearly Polarized Light

	Product Model	Order m	Operating wavelength λ	Clear Aperture	File	Unit Price	Compare	Lead Time
	VR128-633	128	633 nm	Ø21.5 mm		$1,040.18		today	Add Cart
	VR128-532	128	532 nm	Ø21.5 mm		$1,040.18		today	Add Cart