Introduction to waveplates: regulating polarization rather than weakening light intensity
Unlike polarizers, which selectively transmit light of a certain polarization state and block other polarization states, ideal waveplates do not weaken the light beam or change the propagation direction of light. Instead, they achieve precise control of the polarization state of light waves by delaying the propagation speed of one polarization component relative to its orthogonal component.
Application of wave plates
- 1. Rotate the linear polarization direction
- 2. Convert linear polarized light into circular polarized light and vice versa
- 3. Customize the conversion between any polarization states
Related professional polarization control elements
- Polarization optical elements (Polarization Optics)
- Absorptive/Dichroic Polarizers
- Waveplates & Retarders
- Polarization Tester
Detailed explanation of polarization optical applications: optical optimization in imaging and measurement
- 1. Eliminate reflected hot spots and glare (Glare Reduction)
In machine vision systems, unpolarized light will produce strong Fresnel reflections when passing through multi-layer glass surfaces, obscuring the details of the object. By adding a linear polarizer in front of the lens, unnecessary polarization components can be effectively blocked, making the target image clear and discernible.
- 2. Eliminate hot spots of light sources (Hot Spot Elimination)
Through cross polarization configuration (Cross Polarization), that is, placing a linear polarizer in front of the light source and another in front of the camera lens in a perpendicular direction, the highlight reflection area in the light field can be greatly reduced to achieve uniform illumination.
Key functions of wave plates:
- 1. Detect stress concentration areas of transparent materials
- 2. Evaluate the structural reliability of plastic modules
- 3. Achieve non-destructive testing
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