A beam splitter is an optical component that divides an incoming beam of light into two beams of different intensities in a specified ratio. Additionally, a beam split can be used in reverse to combine two beams of different intensities into a single beam. Beam splitters are typically classified into cube beam splitters or plate beam splitters based on construction.
Types of beam splitters
A standard non-polarizing beam splitter is often used with non-polarized light sources such as or polychromatic light sources for applications
where the polarization state is of no concern. They are designed to split non-polarized light at a specific reflectivity/transmissivity (/T) ratio without
any specified polarization trend.
Polarizing beam splitters are designed to split light into a reflected S-polarized beam and a transmitted P- beam. They can be used to split
non-polarized light at a 50/50 ratio or for polarizing separation applications such as optical isolators
Non-polarizing beamsplitters divide the light at a specific R/T ratio while maintaining the original polarization state of the incident light. For example, a 50/50 non-polarizing beamsplitter is used, the transmitted P and S polarization states and the reflected P and S polarization states are divided according to design ratio. These beamsplitters are well suited for maintaining polarization in applications where polarized light is used.
Dichroic beamsplitters divide light by wavelength. We offer everything from laser beam combiners designed for specific laser wavelengths to broadband hot mirrors and cold for dividing the visible from the infrared. These beamsplitters are often used in fluorescence applications.
