How Does Quartz Crystal Retardation Change with Thickness?

[lcr2139]

Homework Statement

[/B]Quartz is positive uniaxial crystal with ne (extraordinary axis) = 1.553 and no (ordinary axis) = 1.554.

A) determine the retardation per mm at lambda (wavelength) when the crystal is oriented such that retardation is maximized.

B) At what thickness(es) does the crystal act as a quarter wave retarder?

Homework Equations

retardation (delta) = thickness (t) x (no-ne)
retardation (delta) = (2pi * (no-ne) * thickness (t) ) / (wavelength)

The Attempt at a Solution

A) retardation/thickness = no - ne

B) t/delta = (2pi * wavelength * (no-ne)

Am I using the right equations? I don't think so. What are they?

 

[mark726]

Your equations are correct for determining the retardation per unit thickness (A) and the thickness at which the crystal acts as a quarter wave retarder (B). However, you have not specified the wavelength (lambda) in your equations.

To determine the retardation per mm at a specific wavelength, you can use the equation: retardation (delta) = (2pi * (no-ne) * thickness (t) ) / (wavelength). In this case, you would use the given values for ne and no, and the wavelength you are interested in.

To determine the thickness at which the crystal acts as a quarter wave retarder at a specific wavelength, you can use the equation: t = (wavelength * (no-ne)) / (4 * (no-ne)). Again, you would use the given values for ne and no, and the wavelength you are interested in.

Hope this helps!