Polarization Reference Standards

Axometrics provides a wide range of calibration standards that are used to verify the accuracy of our measurement systems as well as allowing the user to monitor the long-term stability of their instrument.

CAL-VIS-1

The CAL-VIS-1 is a true zero-order quartz waveplate with a retardance of approximately 185 nm. The retarder is mounted in block with a precision edge that is carefully aligned to the fast-axis of the retarder. The purpose of this calibration standard is to act as an absolute retardance orientation reference for all Axometrics measurement systems used in transmission as well as providing a calibrated retardance magnitude standard at a specified wavelength (usually λ=589nm)

Specifications

Dimensions: 40.7 mm x 40.7 mm x 12.7 mm
Clear Aperture: 13.8 mm diameter
Retardance Value: Approximately 185nm (measured at λ=589nm)
Retardance accuracy: < 0.5⁰ (measured at λ=589nm)
Fast-Axis: Aligned to mechanical edge to within +/-0.05°
Uniformity: < 1° retardance variation across aperture at 589 nm

CAL-VIS-2

The CAL-VIS-2 is a broad-band wire grid polarizer precision aligned to the reference edge of an aluminum block. The purpose of this calibration standard is to act as an absolute transmission axis (and absorption axis) orientation reference for all Axometrics measurement systems used in transmission.

Specifications

Dimensions: 40.7 mm x 40.7 mm x 12.7 mm
Aperture: 13.8 mm diameter
Transmission Axis: Aligned to mechanical edge to within +/-0.05°
Axis Uniformity: < 0.1° polarizer axis variation across aperture at 589 nm.
Uniformity: < 0.1° polarizer axis variation across 400 – 800 nm wavelength range.
Ellipticity: <0.1% diattenuation ellipticity

CAL-VIS-RCP

The CAL-VIS-RCP is a precision aluminum fixture which contains a wire grid polarizer carefully aligned at 45° to the fast-axis of a true-zero-order quartz waveplate. These components form a nearly perfect circular polarizer at a specified wavelength. The purpose of this calibration standard is a calibrated circular polarization state.

Specifications

Dimensions: 40.7 mm x 40.7 mm x 25.4mm
Aperture: 13.8 mm diameter
Circular polarization state with ellipticity =1.000 ± 0.005 at one wavelength (approx. 540 nm)
Polarization ellipticity reported at all wavelengths 400 to 800 nm