Lainepikkusplaat

Lainepikkusplaat, also known as a wavelength plate, is an optical component used to manipulate the polarization state of light. It is typically a thin, birefringent material that introduces a phase difference between two orthogonal components of the light's electric field as it passes through. This phase difference depends on the wavelength of the light, the thickness of the plate, and the material's birefringence properties.

The primary function of a lainepikkusplaat is to convert one polarization state into another. For example, a half-wave plate can rotate the polarization direction of linearly polarized light by a specific angle, while a quarter-wave plate can convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light or vice-versa. The effectiveness of a lainepikkusplaat is highly dependent on the wavelength of the incident light. If the light is not at the design wavelength, the desired phase shift will not be achieved, and the polarization manipulation will be inaccurate.

Lainepikkusplaadid are constructed from birefringent crystals such as quartz, mica, or certain synthetic materials like lithium niobate. The orientation of the crystal's optical axis relative to the surfaces of the plate is crucial for its performance. They find applications in various optical instruments, including polarimeters, optical isolators, and systems requiring precise control over light polarization. The term "lainepikkusplaat" directly translates from Estonian, reflecting its function related to wavelength and polarization.