The attached figure (taken from Optics\E. Hecht) shows a calcite bulk crystal in a cleavage form with a wave plate cut parallel to the optic axis.
From the symmetry of the index ellipsoid there are many ways to cut such a plate from the bulk material - take the plate shown in the figure and rotate it around the optic axis and you also get a plate with identical optical properties. My question is whether there's a preferable way to cut this wave plate with respect to the bulk material. In other words - if two crystal experts are asked to cut this plate, will they both cut it the same way? Or will they'll each make an arbitrary decision of the exact orientation based on the dimensions of the bulk material and the requested wave plate's dimensions?
I would also appreciate if you can refer me to books/articles regarding how to define correctly crystal parameters (such as optic axis orientation, cutting angles, etc.) for crystal manufacturers.
Thank you.
Dear Assaf,
You are right, If you rotate it around the optic axis you also get a plate with identical optical properties.
You are right, from the optical point of view there is no preferable way to cut this wave plate with respect to the bulk material.
The manufacturers make good prisms from calcite, there are many features.
For my opinion I cannot cut good quater-wave plate from calcite. Because the accuracy of the plate thickness must be about 10 nm for the phase shift about 1 degree. The accuracy of the optic axis orientation and cutting angles play no matter.
I easily made good quater-wave plates from mica.
But I wish you good luck with calcite.
Let me know about your success.
Vladimir
Optics, 4th edition/Eugene Hecht (2002). This is Fig. 8.37 (p. 352).
You can see the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Optics-4th-Edition-Eugene-Hecht/dp/0805385665
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