Waveplates and Retarders
Low(multiple) order waveplates or retarders are designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction. This result in a single, physically robust component with desired performance. However, even small changed in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance. Low order waveplats are less expensive and find use in many applications where the increased sensitivities are not an important.
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