Patent ID: 6888659

Claim:
A polarization controller for providing a beam of light with a desired state of polarization comprising: a) polarizing means for providing the light with a substantially linear state of polarization said light being polarized along a polarization axis, which is perpendicular to a propagation direction of the light; b) a first variable retardance retarder disposed to receive the light from the polarizer for modifying the state of polarization of said light, said first variable retardance retarder having a first fast axis defining a first angle Î¸ with said polarization axis; and c) a second variable retardance retarder for modifying the state of polarization of the light received from the first variable retardance retarder to provide the desired state of polarization, said second variable retardance retarder having a second fast axis defining a second angle Ï† with said polarization axis.