Multi-twist retarders for broadband polarization transformation

Abstract

We introduce a family of broadband retarders, comprised of a low number of twisted nematic liquid crystal layers, that accomplishes well-controlled polarization transformation for nearly any bandwidth desired. For example, we show that broadband linear to circular polarization conversion can be achieved with only two twist layers where the performance matches the popular three-waveplate approach by Pancharatnam. Using liquid crystal polymers on a single substrate, we show how these multi-twist retarders are embodied as a monolithic birefringent plate with excellent performance and potentially very low cost.