Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-12-2008

Abstract

The net differential phase shift Δt introduced between the orthogonal p and s linear polarizations after four successive total internal reflections inside an in-line chevron dual-Fresnel-rhomb retarder is a function of the first internal angle of incidence φ and prism refractive index n. Retardance of 3λ/4 (i.e., Δt=270°) is achieved with minimum angular sensitivity when φ=45° and n=1.900822. Several optical glasses with this refractive index are identified. For Schott glass SF66 the deviation of Δt from 270° is ≤4° over a wavelength range of 0.55≤λ≤1.1 μm in the visible and near-IR spectrum. For a SiC prism, whose totally reflecting surfaces are coated with an optically thick MgF2 film, Δt=270° at two wavelengths: λ1=0.707 μm and λ2=4.129 μm. This coated prism has a maximum retardance error of ≈5°over>three octaves (0.5 to 4.5μm) in the visible, near-, and mid-IR spectral range. Another mid-IR 3λ/4 retarder uses a Si prism, which is coated by an optically thick silicon oxynitride film of the proper composition, to achieve retardance that differs from 270° by <0.5° over the 3-5 μm spectral range.

Journal Name

Applied Optics

Comments

This paper was published in Applied Optics and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website:http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-47-27-4878. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

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