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Wave Retarder Film / Waveplate Film

Quarter- and full-wave retarder films for polarizers, strain inspection and optics

Wave retarder film, also called waveplate film, phase difference film or retardation film, introduces a phase shift between polarization components of light.

Mecan USA offers MGR125 and MCR140N quarter-wave retarder films, as well as MGR570 full-wave sensitive color film. These films are available from a single sheet for evaluation, prototyping, laboratory use and industrial applications.

Quarter-Wave Film Full-Wave Film Waveplate Film Retardation Film Single Sheet Available

MGR125 - Quarter-Wave Retarder Film / Retardation 125 nm

■ Quarter-wave retarder film / phase difference film.

■ Retardation: approximately 123 nm ± 5 nm.

■ High light transmittance, greater than 90%.

■ Thin polycarbonate film, approximately 70 μm, easy to cut and process.

■ Suitable for circular polarizers, 3D optical systems and general optical applications.

MGR125 quarter-wave retarder film 125 nm waveplate optical film Material    : Polycarbonate
Retardation : 123±5 nm
Light angle  : 90±2 deg
Item Code Size Unit Price
MGR125-1 100 x 50 cm | t = 0.07 mm $77
MGR125-2 50 x 50 cm | t = 0.07 mm $48
MGR125-4 50 x 25 cm | t = 0.07 mm $32
* Small free sample (business card size) available. Please use the inquiry form for requests.
* Bulk price available for orders of more than 10 units.

MCR140N - Quarter-Wave Retarder Film / Retardation 140 nm

■ Industrial-grade quarter-wave retarder film.

■ Retardation: 140 nm ± 10 nm.

■ Thin polycarbonate film, approximately 70 μm, easy to cut and process.

■ Designed for stable optical performance in demanding environments.

■ Used in circular polarizers, imaging optics and precision optical systems.

MCR140N quarter-wave retarder film 140 nm waveplate optical film Material    : Polycarbonate
Retardation : 140±10 nm
Light angle  : 90±2 deg
Item Code Size Unit Price
MCR140N-1 100 x 50 cm | t = 0.07 mm $102
MCR140N-2 50 x 50 cm | t = 0.07 mm $61
MCR140N-4 50 x 25 cm | t = 0.07 mm $38
* Small free sample (business card size) available. Please use the inquiry form for requests.
* Bulk price available for orders of more than 10 units.

MGR570 - Full-Wave Retarder Film / Sensitive Color Film

■ Full-wave 1λ retarder film / sensitive color film.

■ Retardation: approximately 565 nm ± 6 nm.

■ Thin polycarbonate film, approximately 63 μm, sheet and roll types available.

■ Ideal for strain and stress inspection of glass and plastics.

■ Used in polarized microscopes and optical inspection systems.

MGR570 full-wave retarder film sensitive color waveplate optical film
Item Code Size Unit Price
MGR570-1 100 x 50 cm | t = 0.065 mm $148
MGR570-2 50 x 50 cm | t = 0.065 mm $91
MGR570-Roll Size Price / m
Roll Type
Width 50 cm | t = 0.065 mm
2-3 m $140 / m
4-9 m $130 / m
10 m - $124 / m
* Small free sample (business card size) available. Please use the inquiry form for requests.
* Bulk price available for orders of more than 10 units.
Need a sample, quotation, or product selection advice?
Please tell us your application, wavelength range, required size,
and quantity. Single-sheet orders and evaluation inquiries are welcome.
Contact Mecan USA for selection support →

Quarter-Wave vs. Full-Wave Retarder Film

How to Choose

Choose the appropriate retarder film depending on the required optical function.

  • Quarter-wave retarder film: commonly used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light.
  • Full-wave retarder film: commonly used for strain and stress inspection, sensitive color observation and polarized optical analysis.
  • MGR125 / MCR140N: suitable for circular polarizer construction, imaging optics and general waveplate use.
  • MGR570: suitable for polarized microscopy, optical inspection systems and stress visualization of transparent materials.

Typical Applications

Waveplate and retardation films are widely used in industrial and laboratory optical systems.

  • Circular polarizers
  • Polarized microscopy
  • Optical inspection systems
  • Strain / stress analysis of glass and plastics
  • Sensitive color observation
  • 3D optical systems and imaging optics

FAQ - Wave Retarder Film / Waveplate Film

Q What is wave retarder film? ▼
A Wave retarder film, also called waveplate film, phase difference film or retardation film, is an optical film that introduces a phase shift between polarization components of light. It is used in circular polarizers, strain inspection, polarized microscopy and optical systems.
Q What is the difference between quarter-wave and full-wave retarder film? ▼
A Quarter-wave retarder film is commonly used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, while full-wave retarder film is often used for strain inspection and sensitive color observation in polarized optical systems.
Q Which products are available on this page? ▼
A This page includes MGR125 quarter-wave retarder film, MCR140N quarter-wave retarder film and MGR570 full-wave retarder film.
Q Can I buy only one sheet? ▼
A Yes. Single-sheet ordering is available for evaluation, prototyping and industrial use.
Q What applications is full-wave retarder film used for? ▼
A Full-wave retarder film is typically used for strain and stress inspection of glass and plastics, polarized microscopes and sensitive color observation applications.

See also: Linear Polarizer Film / Circular Polarizer Film / Sensitive Color Plate