Waveplates & Retarders

Our wave plates (also called retarders) are made from polymer based birefringent materials, with two different refractive indices along two perpendicular axes, called the fast axis and the slow axis. As light passes through, the component aligned with the fast axis, it travels slightly ahead of the component aligned with the slow axis, creating a phase difference, or retardance. This is commonly expressed as OPD (Optical Path Difference), measured in nanometers, or by the center wavelength the plate is designed for — for example, a retarder can be described as “1/4 wave at 140nm” or equivalently “1/4 wave centered at 560nm.” A quarter wave plate, such as our APQW92-003-PC-140NM (140nm OPD, 560nm center), introduces a phase shift equal to one-quarter of the target wavelength, converting linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. A half wave plate — essentially two quarter wave plates combined, available at 560nm (280nm OPD) doesn’t produce circular polarization, instead it rotates the plane of linearly polarized light. A full wave plate (560nm, 560nm OPD) shifts by a complete wavelength, returning light to its original polarization state, which is useful in color-compensation applications.

American Polarizers Inc’s polymer-based wave plates are single-layer polycarbonate films, offering strong optical performance and clarity as a lighter, lower-cost alternative to crystal-based retarders like quartz or mica — while still delivering uniform birefringence, low haze, and good environmental stability. Because polycarbonate film can be produced in large sheets, it scales well for high-volume or large-format applications. Typical uses include pairing with a linear polarizer to build circular polarizers for camera filters and OLED/LCD anti-reflection applications, LCD compensation films for improved viewing angle and color uniformity, 3D glasses and stereoscopic projection systems, and general polarization control in optical instruments and sensor applications. Our APQW92-002-PC-143NMHE high-extinction broad band quarter wave film is a popular choice when both cost-efficiency and strong optical performance are needed from a single layer.

American Polarizers Inc offers wave plates in three forms to match different mechanical and durability needs. Standalone film, such as APQW92-003-PC-125NM, is the most cost-effective and lightweight option, well suited when the wave plate will be laminated into a larger assembly downstream. Acrylic laminated wave plates add rigidity and easier handling for applications needing some mechanical support without excess weight. Glass-laminated wave plate offers the highest optical flatness (reduced light deviation, increased resolution), dimensional stability, and the best durability under temperature and high humidity, making glass the preferred choice for precision optical instruments and demanding environments. All three forms are available across our quarter wave (125nm, 140nm, and 165nm OPD), half wave (280nm OPD), and full wave (560nm OPD) product lines, along with all of our circular polarizers.