Pockels Cells

Meadowlark Optics longitudinal Pockels Cells are often used in polarimetry on imaging light beams and in the chopping of polarized beams. They consist of Z-cut KD*P crystals between protective windows that have transparent indium-tin oxide electrodes applied to their interior faces. The electrodes produce a uniform electric field normal to the optical faces and permit use of a thin (approximately 3 mm) KD*P crystal.
 
The thin crystal additionally makes these cells suitable for use in non-collimated imaging light beams slower than f/20. Meadowlark specializes in clear apertures up to 40 mm. These devices are useful as variable retarders in applications requiring very fast switching.