The low(multiple) order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction. This result in a single, physically robust component with desired performance. However, even small changed in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance. They are less expensive and find use in many applicatios where the increased sensitivities are not an important.

Specification

Material:                        Quartz Crystal
Dimension tolerance:       +0.0, -0.1
Wavefront distortion:       l/8@633nm
Retardation tolerance:     l/200
Parallelism:                     <1 arc second
Surface quality:               20-10
Clear aperture:               Central 90%
AR coating:                    <0.25% @wavelength