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Nematic polymer liquid-crystal wave plate for high-power lasers at 1054 nm

Journal Article · · Applied Optics; (United States)
OSTI ID:5035788
 [1]; ; ; ;  [2]
  1. Consortium fur Elektrochemische Industrie GmbH, D-8000 Munchen 70 (Germany)
  2. Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Road, Rochester, New York 14623-1299 (United States)
A nematic polymer liquid crystal is used to construct wave plates for use at 1054 nm. Three methods of wave-plate construction are discussed: double substrate with fiber spacers in homogeneous distribution, double substrate with fiber spacers in annular distribution, and single substrate. The polymer liquid crystal shows high laser-damage resistance, making it particularly useful for high-peak-power laser applications. Alignment techniques and measurement of birefringence for the highly viscous polymer are described.
DOE Contract Number:
FC03-92SF19460
OSTI ID:
5035788
Journal Information:
Applied Optics; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Optics; (United States) Vol. 33:10; ISSN 0003-6935; ISSN APOPAI
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English