WOP, USouthampton Develop Z Polarizers

Workshop of Photonics (WOP) has collaborated with researchers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton to develop a direct laser writing technique for the production of radial polarization converters.

Z polarizer. (Images: World of Photonics)

Known as Z polarizers, the devices are applied at laser machining to high-power laser radiation because of their monolithic fused silica window design, and antireflection coatings can be applied. In addition, a single element is used both for polarization conversion and generation of higher topological charge optical vortices.

The WOP and ORC laboratories expect to prove the advantages of Z polarizers in laser micromachining, such as decreased spot size and uniformity of light-material interaction regardless of machining direction.

View through polarizing microscope with various polarization orientations.

WOP is looking for integrators and end users in the laser machining, microscopy and optical tweezers fields. Testing units are available, with small scale production of the devices scheduled for mid-autumn.

The University of Southampton has applied for a patent application and has appointed Altechna R&D Ltd. as its exclusive commercialization partner.

For more information, visit: www.wophotonics.com

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Published: August 2011

Glossary

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polarization: Polarization refers to the orientation of oscillations in a transverse wave, such as light waves, radio waves, or other electromagnetic waves. In simpler terms, it describes the direction in which the electric field vector of a wave vibrates. Understanding polarization is important in various fields, including optics, telecommunications, and physics. Key points about polarization: Transverse waves: Polarization is a concept associated with transverse waves, where the oscillations occur...
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