A four-sector polarization converter integrated in a calcite crystal

A new approach to the implementation of sectorial plates for beam polarization conversion is proposed. Using a newly developed etching technology, a four-sector polarization converter integrated into a calcite crystal is implemented. A four-sector polarization converter, which provides a pairwise orthogonal polarization state of the sectors, is fabricated and experimentally characterized. A comparison is made of inter-sector joints of the integrated converter with those of a converter composed of individual wave-plate fragments. Analysis of the spectral properties of such a converter is carried out, wavelengths at which the necessary polarization conversion takes place are determined. The quasi-periodic repetition of phase matching conditions is experimentally shown to slow down with increasing wavelength.