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Related Manuals for THORLABS SBC-VIS
Summary of Contents for THORLABS SBC-VIS
- Page 1 Operations Manual Soleil Babinet Compensator Models: SBC-VIS, SBC-UV, SBC-IR Ver 1.4 THORLABS Model SBC-VIS Fast Axis 15.001mm Thorlabs, Inc 435 Route 206N Newton, NJ 07860 (973) 579-7227 Ph, (973) 383-8406 Fax www.thorlabs.com...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................3 Table 1-1 Standard Features............................. 3 Table 1-2 Specifications ............................4 Figure 1-0 – Mechanical Specs ..........................4 2.0 Setup ................................... 5 2.1 Unpacking................................ -
Page 3: Introduction
(see Appendix B Theory of Operation for more details). Thorlabs offers three models: the SBC-VIS and SBC-IR use quartz optics to cover a spectral range of 400- 1000nm and 1000-2000nm respectively. The SBC-UV uses magnesium fluoride optics to extend the compensator range into the UV from 140nm to 400nm. - Page 4 Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Table 1-2 Specifications Wavelength Range: 140 to 400nm (SBC-UV) 400 to 1000nm (SBC-VIS) 1000 to 2000nm (SBC-IR) Retardance Adjustment: 0 to 2π (full wave) Clear Aperture: 10mm diameter Beam Deviation: <...
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Page 5: Setup
The adjustment range of Thorlabs Soleil Babinet Compensators is a minimum of one full zero wave of retardance over the operating spectral range. Just like quartz waveplates, the retardance of the compensator is wavelength dependent. -
Page 6: 45° Detent Stops
Thorlabs carries a complete line of high quality calcite polarizers, rotation mounts and other accessories useful for constructing this setup. Figure 2-1 shows a typical arrangement. -
Page 7: Calibration
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Generator – This stage is the input for the test laser and uses a precision polarizer (e.g. GT10 Glan Taylor calcite polarizer) mounted in a precision rotation stage to generate a very pure linear state of polarization. Analyzer –... - Page 8 Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Warning: Never look directly into the laser ! Use a target screen to project the laser onto for indirect viewing. 3. Insert the compensator in between the two polarizers. Adjust the tip/tilt adjustments so that the compensator is perpendicular to the optical beam.
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Page 9: Setting Compensator To A Specific Retardance
λ λ is the new wavelength B(λ) is the birefringence of the SBC model For models SBC-VIS and SBC-IR, use equation B-1 in Appendix B for B(λ). For SBC-UV, use equation B-2. Page 9... -
Page 10: Measuring An Unknown Retardance/Birefringence
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 4.0 Measuring an Unknown Retardance/Birefringence One of the applications for the Soleil Babinet Compensator is to measure the retardance of an unknown device. From this the birefringence can easily be calculated as well. To measure the retardance of an unknown sample: 1. -
Page 11: Appendix A - Optional Labview Software And Serial Port
LabView drivers and a stand-alone LabView Runtime library. The SBC-COMM LabView Drivers and Serial Interface Kit is compatible with all versions of the Thorlabs Soleil Babinet Compensators. The software was developed in National Instrument’s LabView™ Version 6.0. A LabView Runtime Library is included on the CD so that the software can be run stand alone. -
Page 12: Software Installation
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 A.2 Software Installation Stand Alone Version The software consists of a stand alone version which does not require any programming skill to operate. The stand alone version requires that the LabView run time engine (included on CD) be installed on the target PC in order to operate LabView Drivers A LabView vi file is also included for users familiar with LabView programming and who would like modify... - Page 13 General Parameters Model (user input) – Select the model compensator to be used with the software Options: SBC-UV, SBC-VIS, SBC-IR Serial Port (user input) – Select the serial port the compensator is attached to on the PC Options: COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4...
- Page 14 Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Full Wave Calibration Set Starting Null (button & display) – During calibration, the first null first found by manually adjusting the retardance using the micrometer. Once the null is found, this button is pushed by the user and the software records this position and displays it in the text box.
- Page 15 Although this procedure looks involved, after performing it once or twice you will become familiar with it to the point that calibrations will be quick and easy. Tip: Thorlabs carries a complete line of polarizers, optics mounts, rotation stages, and accessories. You can find everything you need at www.thorlabs.com.
- Page 16 Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Step 1. Set the polarizers, compensator, and test laser as shown in Figure 2.2. Step 2. With the compensator removed from the setup, rotate one of the two waveplates until the two polarizers are exactly crossed at 90°.
- Page 17 Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Once the compensator is calibrated, the software will allow you to easily set the compensator to any fractional retardance within the operating spectral range of the unit. Step 1. Enter the desired retardance in the “Enter Target Retardance”...
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Page 18: Appendix B - Theory Of Operation
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 Appendix B – Theory of Operation The classic Soleil Babinet Compensator design is based on two birefringent wedges with their optic axis aligned lengthwise and a compensator plate with its optic axis rotated 90° from the wedges. The retardance through the total optical path is: = B(λ) * (X2 –... -
Page 19: Quartz Sellmeier And Birefringence
Soleil-Babinet Compensator Operations Manual – Doc # N0073-D01 Rev A Ver 1.4 B.1 Quartz Sellmeier and Birefringence 1.09509924λ 1.15662475λ 1.07044083λ 1.10202242λ n e λ ( ) n o λ ( ) 1.28851804 1.28604141 λ λ λ λ 1.0210186410 1.0058599710 B λ ( ) n e λ... -
Page 20: Appendix C - Cleaning And Maintenance
(973) 579-7227 Ph, (973) 383-8406 Fax www.thorlabs.com The Soleil Babinet Compensator was developed and manufactured for Thorlabs by Nova Phase Inc, a custom and OEM optics manufacturer. For more information on Nova Phase products and capabilities visit their website at www.novaphase.com.
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