LBTEK polymer true zero-order quarter-wave plates (QWP) are made from an N-BK7 glass substrate and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) material, forming a sandwich structure that can be mounted in standard lens tubes. The liquid crystal molecules in the LCP layer are uniformly aligned, providing the same λ/4 retardation across the entire device plane, making it a single-wavelength device.

Polymer true zero-order quarter-wave plates are commonly used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. Compared to multi-order waveplates, they offer larger allowable incident angles, higher stability, and lower wavelength sensitivity. Compared to quartz true zero-order waveplates, they feature simpler fabrication processes and can be made in much larger apertures.

LBTEK offers standard polymer true zero-order quarter-wave plates with working wavelengths ranging from 405 nm to 1550 nm, available in three clear apertures: Ø10 mm, Ø21.5 mm, and Ø45 mm. Each size is available with either a pre-mounted mechanical housing or without a housing. Waveplates with a mounted mechanical housing are non-removable and have the fast axis marked on the housing. Unmounted one-inch and two-inch waveplates have a D-shaped flat edge, with the fast axis direction parallel to the flat edge. Unmounted half-inch waveplates have short markings on the side to indicate the fast axis direction, making identification and use convenient for the customer.

LBTEK polymer true zero-order quarter-wave plates are based on an N-BK7 glass substrate and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) birefringent material. By precisely controlling the thickness of the liquid crystal polymer film, the phase difference of π/2 between the ordinary (o) light (perpendicular to the optical axis) and extraordinary (e) light (parallel to the optical axis) is accurately controlled, resulting in a λ/4 retardation. For polymer true zero-order quarter-wave plates without a mounted mechanical housing, the Ø25.4 mm and Ø50.8 mm waveplates feature a D-shaped flat edge design, with the fast axis direction parallel to the flat edge. The Ø12.7 mm waveplate does not have a flat edge and instead uses side markings to indicate the fast axis direction, making it easy for customers to quickly identify and use.