Photonics Rotators

phototonic rotators

The Core of Photonics

Our high-contrast, highly reliable polarization rotators are a perfect solution for optical switching, polarimetry, and image enhancement.

photonics rotators overviewPolarization Rotators

The polarization rotator is the basis of all our photonics products. Rotators are used to quickly and accurately modulate the polarization state of an incoming light beam. Our devices are electro-optical, so they elicit an optical response using electrical input. Polarization rotators used in research and product development are well-suited for optical switching, polarimetry, and image enhancement (microscopy).

The rotator works as an electrically switchable half-wave plate. This electro-optic component converts one state of optical polarization into the orthogonal states (rotates linearly polarized light 90°). The cell is activated by applying 5V DC across the wire leads. Reversing the polarity controls the state of the cell. The polarization rotators are centered for operation in the visible spectrum.

Rotators are available in two wavelength options:
  • a set, centered wavelength of 510nm
  • customized wavelengths from 400nm–1550nm
The centerline is 510nm (this corresponds to a retardance of 255nm). The device yields an exact half-wave response in green (510nm), slightly more than half-wave in blue (450nm), and less than a half-wave in red (650nm).

Polarization Rotators are offered in three aperture sizes in two types of housings:
  • 13mm – circular housing
  • 25mm – circular or square housing
  • 45mm – circular housing
Model Number Product Type Clear Aperture Outer Dimension
LV1300-OEM 13mm circular rotator 12.7mm 25.2mm
LV2500-OEM 25.4mm circular rotator 25.3mm 37.9mm
LV2525-SQ 25mm square rotator 25.4mm 43.2 x 41.2mm
LV4500-OEM 45mm circular rotator 45.0mm 65.0mm

For further technical information or to purchase product, please contact us.

Parameter Typical Guaranteed
Transmission   >85%
Operating wavelength range 1   400–700nm
Angular Acceptance   20", 0.34N.A. or f/1.4
Optical rise/fall time 2 
(10–90%/90–10%)		 35µs <50µs
One–state transition time2 70µs <100µs
Operating temperature range   10° to 50° C
Storage temperature range   -20° to 55° C
Surface defects (scratch/dig)   60/40
Optical damage to FLC material   4kW/cm3
Notes:
1. Performance specifications vary with temperature.
2. Switching speeds are quoted for use with Micron standard shutters with a center wavelength of 510nm.
3. Use of a protective UV filter, such as 1mm–thick Hoya®L42, is recommended.

Parameter Typical Guaranteed at 21°C
Optical rise/fall time:
(10-90%/90-10%)		 35 µs < 50 µs
One State Transition Time
(0-90%/100-10%)		 70 µs < 100 µs
Transmitted Image Quality >150 lp/mm >75 lp/mm
Operating Temperature Range 10 to 50° C
Storage Temperature Range -20 to 55° C

Type Secure Title & Description ID# Updated Size
PCN/EOL Systems:  Explains Micron's product change notification and end-of-life systems. CSN-12 08/2009 75.58 KB
Wafer Packaging and Packaging Materials:  Provides complete shipping and recycling information about each of the materials used for shipping Micron's products. CSN-20 09/2011 776.24 KB
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Why is a single chip solution for projection a good idea?
Enabled by a CMOS process, our single chip solution integrates the display panel, image processing, memory, and LED controllers—greatly simplifying projection designs. These products have a small footprint and draw less than 100mW of power.
Why is FLCOS better for sequential color projection?
FLCOS technology allows the liquid crystal to switch pixels on and off much faster than typical LCOS displays—as much as 100 times faster, at a switching speed of 1/10,000 of a second. This high speed provides higher optical throughput and wider operating temperature ranges than sequential color LCOS using nematic liquid crystals. It also allows FLCOS to operate at the industry’s highest color field rate and thus avoid the color breakup evident in typical LCOS and DLP solutions.
Why is sequential color better for projection?
Sequential color creates color by quickly cycling each individual pixel through shades of red, green and blue (instead of placing red, green, and blue pixels closely together as spatial color systems do). This method generates individual, full color pixels that provide the viewer with increased image quality and color fidelity. Sequential color also provides much higher optical throughput, achieving better efficiency than LCOS solutions using color filters.
What kinds of applications do your projection products support?
Our FLCOS microdisplays have shipped in more than 20 million consumer applications. As panels or modules, they are ideal for mobile applications like camera viewfinders and heads-up displays. They’re also an excellent choice for pico projectors for cell phones and handhelds.
What advantages do your hexagonal shaped pixels provide?
Our WQVGA panel is built with hexagonal pixels where each row is offset by a half pixel (much like a honeycomb). This pixel arrangement greatly improves the perceived resolution and smoothes diagonal lines. Along with the improved image quality provided by our sequential color displays, these hexagonal pixels produce DVD quality results from a WQVGA resolution panel, perfect for applications that project video.
What does FLCOS stand for?
FLCOS stands for ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon. Ferroelectric describes how the liquid crystal is chemically organized and activated. For more detail on why FLCOS is a compelling choice for microdisplay technologies, please visit our FLCOS Innovations page.

FLCOS Microdisplays

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