Half Waveplate
A half waveplate (λ/2 waveplate) is a birefringent optical component designed to shift the phase of polarized light by half a wavelength (π radians or 180°). This phase shift rotates the polarization direction of linearly polarized light, making it a functional component for managing beam polarization in laser systems and optical assemblies.
Applications:
- Rotating the plane of polarization in laser systems and optical networks
- Variable attenuation when combined with a polarizing beamsplitter
- Optical isolation, beam routing, and polarization control in interferometry and spectroscopy
