A low-order waveplate is fabricated from a single piece of quartz crystal, generating phase retardation of several orders for the designed wavelength. It is a single, physically robust component with the desired performance; however, even minor variations in wavelength or temperature can lead to changes in the required fractional retardation. It features a narrow wavelength bandwidth, and its temperature stability and field of view are inferior to those of zero-order waveplates. With a typical thickness of approximately 0.3-0.5mm, it is suitable for use in light source systems with excellent monochromaticity.