Phase retardation in a birefringent material

This CalcTown calculator calculates the phase retardation in a birefringent material when polarized light is sent into a birefringent material. The two components travel through the material with different speeds and rotate the polarization state.

Phase retardation in a birefringent material

Wavelength of light (λ)

Thickness of the material (d)

Refractive index of medium 1(n₁)

Refractive index of medium 2 (n₂)

Result

Phase retardation

degrees