CODIXX colorPol® Series High-Performance Polarizing Optical Elements

Overview

The CODIXX colorPol® Series represents a family of high-precision, thin-film polarizing optical elements engineered for demanding applications in photonics, spectroscopy, and industrial sensing. Based on advanced wire-grid or multilayer dielectric polarization technology—depending on spectral region—the colorPol® elements deliver exceptional polarization purity across ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and extended infrared bands. Unlike conventional Glan-type or calcite polarizers, the colorPol® platform offers scalable planar geometry, excellent wavefront fidelity, high damage threshold compatibility, and minimal angular sensitivity—making it ideal for integration into compact optical systems, fiber-coupled instrumentation, and automated alignment platforms. Each variant is rigorously characterized per ISO 10110-7 and DIN EN 60825-1 standards for polarization extinction ratio, spectral transmittance, and surface flatness.

Key Features

• Ultra-high contrast ratios: C3 ≥ 1,000:1, C4 ≥ 10,000:1, and C5 ≥ 100,000:1—verified at specified wavelength bands using calibrated photopolarimetric measurement
• Broad spectral coverage: Select variants span from deep UV (340 nm) through visible (450–700 nm), NIR (700–1400 nm), SWIR (1400–3000 nm), and up to 5000 nm in the MWIR region
• Precision thickness control: Nominal substrate thicknesses range from 200 µm to 280 µm with ±50 µm tolerance, enabling compatibility with micro-optical mounts and vacuum-compatible stages
• Customizable AR coatings: Single- or dual-band anti-reflection coatings available (e.g., 355/532/1064 nm for Nd:YAG harmonics; broadband VIS-NIR 400–1100 nm; or MWIR 2–5 µm)
• Robust mechanical format: Rigid fused silica or BK7 substrates with polished λ/4 surface flatness (RMS) and scratch-dig ≤ 20–10 per MIL-PRF-13830B
• Scalable dimensions: Standard offerings from 5 × 5 mm to 100 × 60 mm; custom rectangular or circular apertures supported under OEM agreements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The colorPol® Series is compatible with collimated, convergent, and fiber-coupled beams operating at incident angles between 0° and ±5° (normal incidence recommended for specification compliance). All variants meet RoHS 2015/863/EU and REACH SVHC criteria. Performance data sheets include traceable calibration against NIST-traceable reference polarimeters and spectrophotometers. For regulated environments—including clinical optics, aerospace sensor qualification, and GLP-compliant analytical instrumentation—the series supports full documentation packages compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ASTM E275-22 (Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Spectrophotometers). No hazardous substances are used in coating deposition or substrate processing.

Software & Data Management

While the colorPol® elements are passive optical components, CODIXX provides comprehensive spectral performance datasets in standard formats (CSV, SDF, and XML) compatible with Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V, and MATLAB-based optical modeling workflows. Each delivered unit includes a unique serial-numbered certificate of conformance listing measured transmittance curves, contrast ratio maps (at three representative wavelengths), and polarization axis orientation (±0.2° angular accuracy). For integration into automated test benches, machine-readable QR codes on packaging link to downloadable spectral files and mounting recommendations—fully traceable for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation protocols.

Applications

• Fiber-optic sensing systems requiring polarization-maintaining signal conditioning in distributed temperature/strain monitoring (DTS/DSS)
• Confocal and polarization-resolved microscopy, including Mueller matrix imaging and birefringence quantification
• High-throughput spectrometers (FTIR, grating-based, and OCT systems) where polarization-dependent efficiency must be minimized
• Free-space and integrated photonic modulators (e.g., LiNbO₃ Mach–Zehnder devices) demanding low insertion loss and high extinction
• Telecom and datacom transceivers operating at 1310 nm and 1550 nm, including coherent detection and polarization multiplexing architectures
• Laser safety interlocks and beam diagnostics for pulsed Nd:YAG, Ti:sapphire, and quantum cascade lasers

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible power density for continuous-wave (CW) laser use?
Maximum fluence depends on coating type and wavelength; standard AR-coated variants support ≥500 W/cm² at 1064 nm (measured at 10.6 µm spot size, 1/e², 10 s exposure). Laser-line optimized versions (e.g., BC4 HT C1310) are rated for >1 kW/cm².
Can colorPol® elements be mounted in kinematic optomechanics?
Yes—standard thickness tolerances and parallelism (≤3 arcsec) ensure compatibility with SM1- and KM100-series mounts. Custom edge features (chamfers, fiducials, or kinematic grooves) are available upon request.
Is polarization axis marking provided?
Each element includes a permanent, non-ablative ink mark aligned to within ±0.15° of the transmission axis, verified via rotating analyzer ellipsometry.
Do you offer environmental testing reports (e.g., thermal cycling, humidity, vibration)?
Yes—full environmental qualification reports per MIL-STD-810H (Methods 502.6, 507.6, and 514.7) are available for qualified variants under NDA.
Are custom spectral bandpasses or contrast grades supported?
Yes—CODIXX offers tailored designs for narrowband (Δλ < 5 nm), ultra-broadband (300–5000 nm), and ultra-high-contrast (C6 ≥ 1,000,000:1) configurations subject to minimum order quantities and lead time agreement.