Half Waveplates Optical Component > Precision Optics > Waveplates
 
 
Thickness of half waveplaate is such that the phase difference of which is 1/2 wavelength or multiple of 1/2 wavelength. Half wave plates convert left circularly or elliptically polarized beams into right circularly or elliptically polarized light, and vice versa. They are used for reorienting the polarization to meet the requirements for a particular optical configuration, without rotating the laser. Therefore, half-waveplates can be used as continuously adjustable polarization rotators.