Applications

Measurement of Unknown Retardances
High-Resolution Ellipsometry
Birefringence Compensation

Features

Uniform Retardance Over Full Aperture
Continuously Variable Retardance from 0 to 2π
Graduated Rotation Ring and Digital Micrometer Aid Repeatability
45° Detent Index Stops
Options for 365 - 800 nm or 740 - 1650 nm

The Soleil-Babinet Compensator is a continuously variable, zero-order retarder (wave plate) that operates over a broad wavelength range. The classical design of the compensator consists of a long birefringent wedge and a fixed wedge mounted to a compensator plate. The retardance is adjusted by moving the position of the long wedge relative to the short wedge using the included precision digital micrometer. This allows the retardance to vary continuously while maintaining a uniform retardance across the aperture at any given setting.

Crystalline quartz optics are used in both Soleil-Babinet Compensator models. The visible (SBC-VIS) and infrared (SBC-IR) models are designed for the 365 - 800 nm and 740 - 1650 nm spectral ranges, respectively.

Our standard Soleil-Babinet Compensators are uncoated for broad spectral operation. To minimize reflection losses when using the compensator over narrow wavelength ranges, we offer AR-coated versions upon request. Please contact Technical Support for more information on this option.

The included digital micrometer has a Ø3/8" (Ø9.5 mm) mounting barrel and offers 1" (25.4 mm) of travel. To motorize an SBC, a Z825B DC servo motor can be used in place of the standard micrometer. Alternatively, Thorlabs' Liquid Crystal Variable Retarders may be a suitable alternative to a motorized SBC.

Item #	SBC-VIS	SBC-IR
Wavelength Range	365 - 800 nm	740 - 1650 nm
Retardance Adjustment	0 to 2π (Full Wave)
Clear Aperture	Ø10 mm
Beam Deviation	<1 arcmin
Transmitted Wavefront Error	<λ/4
Surface Quality	40-20 Scratch-Dig
Digital Readout Resolution	0.001 mm
Repeatability Values*	@ 405 nm: 0.0016 waves @ 633 nm: 0.001 waves @ 800 nm: 0.0008 waves	@ 1064 nm: 0.0012 waves @ 1550 nm: 0.0008 waves
Rotation	360°, Continuous
Rotation Division Scale	1° Increments
Detent Index Stops	Every 45°

*Individual results may vary.

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Posted Comments:

Poster: Adam

Posted Date: 2010-04-07 12:16:22.0

A response from Adam at Thorlabs to dgtlc: The crystals inside the SBC-VIS are not AR coated. We currently have not considered adding a VIS-NIR version to our catalog. I will recommend this to our engineering team as a customer inspired idea. Theoretically, the SBC-VIS should be useable up to 1064nm. At 800nm, the retardance is > 1.75 waves, so at 1064nm, the retardance will be > 1.3 waves. I will contact you directly with more information about the product.

Poster: apalmentieri

Posted Date: 2010-03-02 16:48:39.0

A response from Adam at Thorlabs to a.bruni: I would like to get more information about your setup and how you intend to use the CCD camera. I will email you directly to get this information.

Poster: a.bruni

Posted Date: 2010-03-02 13:56:31.0

Dear, I am Eng. Bruni from Loccioni Group, I would like to have some information about your babinet compesator. I have to performed a polariscope using CCD Camera and light sorce, please send me same information if it is possible to use this compesator with a CCD camera. All the best Andrea

Poster: klee

Posted Date: 2009-11-03 10:02:35.0

A response from Ken at Thorlabs to teng3123: The optics in the SBC-VIS and SBC-IR are not anti-reflection coated. However, we can make them with AR coating as specials. Please let us know if you would like to have a quotation.

Poster: teng3123

Posted Date: 2009-11-03 02:48:37.0

Was the crystal inside the SBC-VIS anti-reflection coated? About 30% of the laser power was lost after passed through SBC-VIS.

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Soleil-Babinet Compensators

Applications

Features