A Case Study of an Ultra-Wideband Wave Plate Covering Visible to Near-Infrared Wavelengths

In optical inspection systems, different wavelengths may be required depending on the target object and inspection method. As inspection systems become more sophisticated, there is an increasing demand for optical components that can handle multiple wavelength ranges within a single optical system.

In this case, Luceo’s ultra-wideband wave plate SB-RETAX was selected to address a customer’s need to use both visible and near-infrared light with a single wave plate.

This article introduces the background of the application, the technical challenges, and the reasons why SB-RETAX was selected for mass production after prototype evaluation.

1. From Near-Infrared to Visible + Near-Infrared

The customer had been using an inspection system based on a single near-infrared wavelength.

However, to meet new inspection requirements, the customer wanted to add visible light to the existing system.

This created an important optical challenge:

How can a single wave plate support multiple wavelengths ranging from the visible region to the near-infrared region?

Conventional wave plates are often designed for specific wavelengths. As the required wavelength range becomes wider, maintaining stable retardation characteristics across the entire wavelength range becomes increasingly challenging.

For this inspection system, a broadband wave plate capable of covering both visible and near-infrared wavelengths was essential.

2. Challenges with Inorganic Broadband Wave Plates

The customer initially considered broadband wave plates made from inorganic materials.

Although these products offered a potential technical solution, several issues became apparent when considering future mass production:

Uncertain or relatively long lead times
Concerns regarding stable supply for mass production
High component cost

For research and development or prototype applications, optical performance may be the primary consideration. However, when an optical component is incorporated into equipment for mass production, other factors are also critical, including stable supply, lead time, and cost.

This led the customer to consider Luceo’s SB-RETAX as an alternative solution.

3. Four Reasons Why SB-RETAX Was Selected
① Ultra-wide wavelength coverage from 450 to 1100 nm

The five-layer version of SB-RETAX covers a remarkably wide wavelength range of 450–1100 nm.

By covering the visible to near-infrared regions with a single wave plate, SB-RETAX can help simplify optical systems and may contribute to reducing the size and cost of equipment.

Using a single optical component for multiple wavelength ranges can also reduce the complexity associated with designing separate optical paths for different wavelengths.

② Advanced multilayer optical film technology

SB-RETAX uses multiple layers of specially designed resin-based optical films with birefringent properties.

These optical films are laminated and bonded between high-precision optical glass substrates.

Luceo’s accumulated expertise in optical film and bonding technologies enables SB-RETAX to achieve stable optical performance over a wide wavelength range.

This multilayer structure is one of the key technologies behind SB-RETAX’s ultra-wideband performance.

③ Cost efficiency and support from prototyping to mass production

Compared with broadband wave plates based on inorganic materials, SB-RETAX offers a significant cost advantage for this type of application.

Luceo can also support customers throughout the development process, from single-piece samples and prototypes to customized products and mass production for integration into equipment.

This means that the same supplier can support the transition from initial optical evaluation to production, helping customers reduce the challenges associated with changing suppliers between development and mass production.

④ High transmitted wavefront accuracy developed for demanding applications

One technical challenge of multilayer optical structures is maintaining high transmitted wavefront accuracy as the number of layers increases.

Luceo has developed manufacturing technologies capable of maintaining high transmitted wavefront accuracy even with multilayer structures.

These technologies have been refined through development projects for demanding applications, including astronomy and space observation, where extremely high optical performance is required.

This accumulated experience has become an important technological foundation for SB-RETAX.

4. From Prototype Evaluation to Mass Production

After understanding the advantages of SB-RETAX, the customer conducted prototype evaluations using an actual inspection system.

SB-RETAX was incorporated into the inspection equipment and evaluated under the required operating conditions.

The evaluation confirmed that the wave plate met the required optical performance.

In addition to optical performance, the customer also evaluated factors such as lead time, cost, and supply capability.

As a result, SB-RETAX was ultimately adopted for mass-production equipment.

This case demonstrates that optical components for industrial equipment must meet not only the required specifications, but also the practical requirements of production—including stable supply, cost efficiency, and consistent quality.

5. Looking for a Wave Plate That Covers Multiple Wavelengths?

As optical systems become more sophisticated, handling multiple wavelength ranges can make optical design increasingly complex.

SB-RETAX may be a suitable solution for applications such as:

Optical inspection systems
Analytical instruments
Microscopes
Optical measurement systems
Medical and industrial illumination systems
Other optical systems using multiple wavelength ranges

If you are considering an optical system with requirements such as:

A single wave plate covering visible and near-infrared wavelengths
A broadband wave plate with improved cost efficiency
A supplier capable of supporting both prototyping and mass production
A customized wave plate for a specific wavelength range or optical configuration

Luceo can provide technical consultation based on your application requirements.

Customized Solutions from Prototype to Mass Production

Luceo has more than 50 years of experience in optical film and bonding technologies.

Based on this expertise, we provide customized optical solutions according to customer requirements, including:

Wavelength range
Size
Shape
Substrate material
Thickness
Other optical specifications

We can support projects from the initial concept stage through prototype evaluation and mass production.

If you are wondering whether a particular specification can be achieved, please feel free to contact us for a technical consultation.

Learn More About SB-RETAX

For detailed specifications, technical information, samples, customized manufacturing, or quotations, please contact Luceo.

SB-RETAX — Ultra-Wideband Wave Plate
Wavelength range: 450–1100 nm (5-layer type)

Luceo provides optical components and optical solutions for a wide range of industrial and research applications.