CODIXX colorPol® High Transmittance Series High-Extinction-Ratio Polarizers

Overview

The CODIXX colorPol® High Transmittance Series represents a class of precision dichroic glass polarizers engineered for demanding optical applications requiring both high spectral throughput and exceptional polarization purity. Unlike polymer-based or wire-grid alternatives, these polarizers rely on the controlled anisotropic absorption of light induced by aligned silver nanoparticles embedded within high-strength soda-lime glass. This nanoscale architecture enables intrinsic polarization selectivity via differential extinction—where the transmission axis permits propagation of one linear polarization state while strongly absorbing the orthogonal component. The resulting extinction ratio of up to 10,000:1 (defined as T_∥/T_⊥, where T_∥ is transmittance parallel to the transmission axis and T_⊥ is transmittance perpendicular) is achieved without reliance on interference effects, ensuring stable performance across broad temperature ranges and high-intensity irradiation conditions. With typical average transmission exceeding 96% in the near-infrared (700–2000 nm), the series supports high-efficiency beam conditioning in laser cavities, interferometric setups, and polarization-sensitive spectroscopy systems.

Key Features

• High intrinsic extinction ratio: ≥10,000:1 (typical), validated under collimated, unpolarized input illumination at normal incidence
• Exceptional broadband transmission: >96% average transmittance across 700–2000 nm, with minimal spectral ripple
• Nanoparticle-embedded glass substrate: Mechanically robust, thermally stable, and resistant to laser-induced damage (LIDT >500 MW/cm² for 10 ns pulses at 1064 nm)
• No birefringent artifacts: Homogeneous bulk polarization response eliminates wavefront distortion common in crystalline polarizers
• AR-coating compatibility: Single- or dual-band anti-reflection coatings available to reduce Fresnel losses below 0.25% per surface
• Custom geometry support: Circular, rectangular, or elliptical apertures; thicknesses from 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm; edge finishes include fine-ground, polished, or laser-cut

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These polarizers are compatible with standard optomechanical mounts (e.g., SM1-threaded lens tubes, kinematic mirror mounts) and integrate seamlessly into OEM laser platforms, ellipsometers, and polarization-resolved imaging systems. All units are manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 environment and undergo batch-level spectral verification using NIST-traceable spectrophotometry. While not classified as medical devices, their optical stability and repeatability meet requirements for GLP-compliant instrumentation used in materials characterization labs. No hazardous substances are employed in fabrication—fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Annex XIV restrictions.

Software & Data Management

As passive optical components, colorPol® polarizers do not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, their performance data—including measured transmittance spectra, extinction ratio maps, and angular acceptance profiles—is delivered in machine-readable formats (CSV, SDF) upon request for integration into lab data management systems (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) or optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V). Batch-specific calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) reference standards.

Applications

• Laser cavity polarization control and intracavity loss minimization in DPSS and fiber lasers
• Polarization contrast enhancement in Mueller matrix microscopy and Stokes polarimetry
• Reference standards for calibrating polarimetric sensors in aerospace and defense EO/IR systems
• Input/output isolation in quantum optics experiments involving entangled photon sources
• Stress-induced birefringence analysis in transparent polymers and optical glasses
• High-dynamic-range polarization filtering in industrial machine vision systems operating under variable ambient lighting

FAQ

What defines the extinction ratio specification, and how is it measured?
The extinction ratio is defined as the ratio of maximum transmittance (T_∥) to minimum transmittance (T_⊥) when the incident beam is fully polarized and rotated through 360° relative to the polarizer’s transmission axis. Measurements follow ISO 15362:2021 guidelines using a calibrated photoelastic modulator and lock-in detection.
Can these polarizers be used with ultrashort pulsed lasers?
Yes—due to their all-glass construction and absence of organic binders or adhesives, they exhibit negligible group delay dispersion and support sub-100-fs pulse transmission without measurable temporal broadening.
Is there a specified damage threshold for continuous-wave operation?
At 1064 nm, the CW laser-induced damage threshold exceeds 10 kW/cm² for beam diameters ≥1 mm, assuming clean, uncoated surfaces and proper thermal sinking.
Are custom spectral bands supported beyond the standard NIR range?
Yes—custom formulations optimized for visible (400–700 nm) or mid-IR (3–5 µm) transmission are available under NDA; lead time and MOQ apply.
Do you provide mounting hardware or alignment fixtures?
Standard SM1-compatible retaining rings and kinematic rotation mounts are offered as optional accessories; OEM integration drawings and tolerance stacks are provided upon request.