Zero Order Waveplate
The zero order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of zero full waves, plus the desired fraction. Zero order waveplate shows better performance than low/multiple order waveplates. It has broad bandwidth and a lower sensitivity to temperature and wavelength changes. It should be considered for more critical applications。
It is constructed of two low order waveplates with their axes crossed. Thus,the effect of the first plate is canceled by the second,except for the residual difference between them. There are normally three different structures as follows,

Low Order Waveplate
Low(multiple) order waveplate is designed to give a retardance of several full waves, plus the desired fraction. This result in a single, physically robust component with desired performance. However, even small changed in wavelength or temperature will result in significant changes in the desired fractional retardance. They are less expensive and find use in many applicatios where