Abstract

The cumulative retardance ${\Delta }_t$ introduced between the p and the s orthogonal linear polarizations after two successive total internal reflections (TIRs) inside a right-angle prism at complementary angles ϕ and $90°-\varphi$ is calculated as a function of ϕ and prism refractive index n. Quarter-wave retardation (QWR) is obtained on retroreflection with minimum angular sensitivity when $n={\left(\sqrt{2}+1\right)}^{1/2}=1.55377$ and $\varphi =45°$. A QWR prism made of N-BAK4 Schott glass ($n=1.55377$ at $\lambda =1303.5\text{\hspace{0.17em} nm}$) has good spectral response ($<5°$ retardance error) over the 0.5–$2\mu \text{m}$ visible and near-IR spectral range. A ZnS-coated right-angle Si prism achieves QWR with an error of $<\pm 2.5°$ in the 9–$11\mu \text{m}$ (${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ laser) IR spectral range. This device functions as a linear-to-circular polarization transformer and can be tuned to exact QWR at any desired wavelength (within a given range) by tilting the prism by a small angle around $\varphi =45°$. A PbTe right-angle prism introduces near-half-wave retardation (near-HWR) with a $\le 2\%$ error over a broad $\left(4\le \lambda \le 12.5\mu \text{m}\right)$ IR spectral range. This device also has a wide field of view and its interesting polarization properties are discussed. A compact (aspect ratio of 2), in-line, HWR is described that uses a chevron dual Fresnel rhomb with four TIRs at the same angle $\varphi =45°$. Finally, a useful algorithm is presented that transforms a three-term Sellmeier dispersion relation of a transparent optical material to an equivalent cubic equation that can be solved for the wavelengths at which the refractive index assumes any desired value.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

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