We have collected the most frequently asked questions and answers about colorPol® polarizers, their application and CODIXX for you here.
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How do colorPol® polarizers work?
colorPol® Polarizers use silver nanoparticles to mostly absorb all but one polarization state of light waves. Only the desired polarization state can pass. A detailed description can be found here.
What material are colorPol® polarizers made of?
All colorPol® polarizers are made of the inorganic materials soda lime glass and silver nano particles embedded near the surface of the glass.
Which wavelength ranges do colorPol® polarizers cover?
CODIXX produces colorPol® polarizers for different ranges of the electromagnetic wave spectrum:
- Near ultraviolet (340 - 380 nm)
- Visible (380-420 and 475 - 780 nm)
- Near and mid infrared (780 - 5,000 nm)
Each product is optimized for a specific wavelength range and should be selected to match the wavelength used.
What is the typical thickness of colorPol® polarizers?
The thickness depends on the product and is usually between 200 µm and 280 µm. By laminating between two additional glasses, a thickness of 2.0 mm can be achieved as standard.
Other thicknesses are available on request.
What is the maximum and minimum size of colorPol® polarizers?
The maximum size is determined by the desired colorPol® polarizer and is up to 100 mm x 60 mm.
Small dimensions of 1 mm x 1mm and smaller can be realized.
Is there a colorPol® polarizer for the complete visible range?
colorPol® polarizers use the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of silver particles for polarization. A physical property of silver is the presence of an absorption band in the violet to blue range of light (around 430 nm). Within this range, the light is completely absorbed and no polarization can be realized. Therefore, we cannot offer a colorPol® polarizer for the entire visible range (380 nm - 780 nm).
Are there colorPol® polarizers that are not mentioned on the website or in the brochure?
In addition to the standard products, colorPol® polarizers can be manufactured with customized transmittance, contrast, wavelength range, etc. Many of our customers have already taken advantage of this highly individualized customization and there is an abundance of other products available.
For this reason, we ask you to specify the wavelength range used as well as the transmission and contrast required. With this information we can recommend the appropriate product.
Can I use colorPol® polarizers with lasers? What are the limits for the power of the laser?
Yes, in principle you can use colorPol® polarizers in combination with a laser. Because dichroic polarizers like colorPol® polarizers polarize through absorption, their use can only be recommended up to certain energy and power densities.
Depending on the product group (laminated/unlaminated) and the type of laser beam, different tolerances are defined. These can be found here.
What is the difference between the HT, T2 HT and T5 HT series?
HT is the abbreviation of High Transmittance and is only used for colorPol® polarizers with particularly high transmission.
T2 stands for Thickness 200 and marks HT polarizers with 200 µm thickness.
Analogously, there are also T5 HT polarizers with 500 µm thickness.
The only difference between the series is the thickness, the spectral properties are identical.
How should I clean colorPol® polarizers?
colorPol® polarizers are made of soda-lime glass. Silver nanoparticles for polarization are bound near the surface in the glass. Since the silver nanoparticles are protected by the glass, cleaning is unproblematic. Detailed cleaning instructions can be found here.
How do I recognize the polarization axis?
The polarization axis can be identified in several ways.
- Using the shape: If the polarization axis is defined parallel to an edge that is unique due to its length, the axis is quickly identified.
- Using a marking: For both round and angular shapes, the axis can be marked by a dot on the surface or on the side. In the case of laminated polarizers, such a mark is applied on the edge. For non-laminated products, the marking can be made only on the surface due to the small filter thickness. In this case, the free aperture is reduced.
- By means of a reference: With the help of a reference (e.g. polarizing filter, laser or similar) with a known axis, the axis can be determined by mutual rotation. colorPol® polarizers always polarize in the visible spectrum, even if they are used for UV or IR. This technique can therefore be used regardless of the spectrum of use. ATTENTION: The polarization axis from 355-420 nm is perpendicular to that from 475-5,000 nm.
How can I identify the side with the AR coating?
The side with the AR coating has a mirror-like blue, green or gold shine. When viewed at an angle, the coating is particularly noticeable.
The uncoated side, on the other hand, looks like a normal, colored piece of glass.
Why do the polarizers have different colors even though it is the same product? Will the color difference affect the performance?
Color differences rarely occur and only in products intended for use outside the visible spectrum. Due to production, variations in absorption characteristics outside of the specified range may occur. These can be perceived by the human eye as a color difference. The specified spectral properties are not affected by this. Multiple measurements in the production process ensure compliance with the specified minimum values of all colorPol® polarizers.
How long can colorPol® polarizers be used?
colorPol® polarizers are made of durable glass. Long-term experience of our customers and our own long-term tests certify a product life cycle under usual conditions of more than 10 years.
Are customer specific modifications possible?
We try to meet all requirements. Different customization options offer you the possibility to configure a polarizer to fit your application.
A detailed description of the customization options can be found here.
Can I purchase a maximum size filter and cut the required sizes from it myself?
colorPol® polarizers are made of soda lime glass and the separation should only be done with the appropriate equipment. In addition, maximum size filters have a different defect specification and your yield will vary greatly due to the non-selectable surface defects. Therefore, we advise you to buy the final size. With these, you can start processing immediately, saving time and machine utilization.
Which standard sizes and shapes are available?
colorPol® polarizers are generally manufactured in customer-specific dimensions within the maximum size. There are no fixed standard sizes.
Frequently requested and usually available dimensions at short notice are:
For rectangular:
10 mm x 10 mm
For circular:
Ø 12.5 mm
Ø 25,0 mm
In addition to circular blanks and rectangles, we can produce triangles, hexagons or other shapes on request.
Is there a way to customize the AR coating to my specific requirements or to select coatings?
CODIXX offers various wavelength specific AR coatings that cover an extensive spectrum. Customerspecific coatings are also available if required. Due to the unique production technology and resulting properties, almost any type of coating can be applied to colorPol® polarizers.
Can the direction of polarization be marked?
All mounted colorPol® polarizers have a marking on the mount. All products without mounts can be provided with a marking of the polarization orientation on customer request.
Laminated colorPol® polarizers have sufficient filter thickness for dot marks on the side edge. Unlaminated polarizers are too thin for this, and the marking can only be made on the surface. This reduces the free aperture.
Tip: For rectangular colorPol® polarizers with different edge lengths, the polarization direction can be easily determined if the orientation is defined parallel to one of the edges.
In case of a rectangle, does the polarization have to be parallel to one edge? Are 45° or other polarization axes possible?
The polarization axis of colorPol® polarizers does not have to be parallel to an edge, but can be chosen arbitrarily. For quick identification of the axis, it is often chosen parallel to one of the edges.
Tip: With structured colorPol® S polarizers you can even define several polarization axes within one filter.
How can I find out the pricing of a specific polarizer?
You can request your individual quote at any time through our website, by email or by phone.
We recommend using our request form with predefined fields. Fill this out as completely as possible to the best of your knowledge. With this information we can offer the optimal colorPol® polarizer for your needs.
In addition, you can contact our distributors who will give you professional advice about colorPol® products and provide a price quotation. The overview and contact details of official colorPol® distributors can be found here.
Are there recommendations to save costs?
The price of colorPol® polarizers is largely determined by the area used. To reduce costs we recommend to use a rectangular basic shape and the smallest dimensions possible.
What data is necessary for a quotation?
In order to provide you with a meaningful offer, we absolutely need the following information:
- your company contact data
- name of the desired product or the required spectral data (wavelength range, transmission and contrast)
- desired dimensions
- intended quantity
If you wish, you can describe the intended use with the corresponding requirements. This will help with our recommendation, as we may be able to draw on the experience of other customers with similar applications.
Can I purchase a single piece or is there a minimum purchase quantity?
Our factory is designed for single pieces as well as for high-volume series production. Minimum purchase quantities come into play for very small dimensions only.
Do you provide samples for testing?
We offer individual sample parts from the standard or HT line on request. These are limited to the size of 10 mm x 10 mm and offer an attractive price-performance ratio.
Can I talk to someone from CODIXX personally?
Of course, you can contact us at any time by e-mail, phone or the inquiry form on the website. Visits to our production facility in Barleben or to your company can also be scheduled.
Furthermore, our employees are in attendance at trade fairs all over the world. You can check the next trade show dates here.
Are there contacts outside of Germany?
We cooperate with distributors in North America, Europe and Asia. Our partners support you professionally in all questions around colorPol® polarizers.
An overview of all official colorPol® distributors and their contact details can be found here.
What are the terms of warranty?
For all manufactured colorPol® polarizers, a specification with guaranteed minimum values is prepared and delivered with every order. Multiple measurements during the production process ensure compliance with these specified parameters.
If the minimum values defined in the specification of a colorPol® polarizer are not achieved, please report this to us immediately.
A detailed description of the warranty can be found in our general terms and conditions.
What of my personal data is collected and stored by CODIXX?
The security of your data is very important to us. CODIXX AG's privacy policy follows the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.
Does CODIXX have a certified quality management system?
CODIXX is certified according to DIN-ISO 9001. All colorPol® polarizers follow the international RoHS, REACH and PFOS regulations.
The corresponding certificates can be found here.