The manual versions of the VA-CB series come with a manual rotary stage containing the half-waveplate. The user manually rotates the stage to control attenuation.

The motorized versions of the VA-CB series come with a motorized rotary stage containing the half-waveplate. Software is included which allows the user to calibrate the VA-CB at a single wavelength on either exit port. The motorized version can be used in open- or closed-loop operation.

The optics and high-precision opto-mechanics are incorporated into a compact housing, flexibly designed for post mounting at varying optical axis heights. P-polarized light is transmitted with minimal loss collinear to the input beam path while S-polarized light is reflected 90º. A removable beam dump is included on the reflected beam port, allowing the use of the VA-CB as a variable attenuator for the transmitted beam. M-4 and 8-32 threads are included on the opposite side and bottom of the housing for mounting on optical posts. This allows for various polarized output options.

The VA-CB series is based on zero-order half-waveplates and polarizing cube beam splitters. These broadband versions are designed to handle average powers up to 500 Watts for wavelength ranges of 400-700 nm, 700-1000 nm, 900-1300 nm or 1200-1600 nm.