Beamsplitters are used to split or combine beam of light and are available in plate and cube form. Plates are used for most laser applications as they exhibit low absorption. Cubes are a convenient, protected form for low power applications. The performance of beamsplitters is mainly dependent on the coating specifications.

In selecting beamsplitters, the forms, coating, transmission and damage threshold should be considered.

Beamsplitters

Spectrum

Properties

Broadband Wavelength

Beamsplitter plates can be used with high power lasers. When using beamsplitter plates, it is important to bear in mind that the two partial beams travel along different optical paths and the optical paths depend on the incident angle and the thickness of the plates.

Single Wavelength

Broadband Wavelength

Compared with beamsplitter plates, beamsplitter cubes have the following advantages:

	Identical path lengths for both the reflected and the transmitted beams
	The transmitted beam is neither displaced nor deflected.
	Easy operation.
	Stable and compact.

Single Wavelength

Broadband Wavelength 630-680nm T/R: 20%/80% ± 5%

The penta beamsplitter is composed of a penta prism and a wedge. Like the beamsplitter cube, it has following properties:

	The transmitted beam is neither displaced nor deflected.
	Stable and compact.
	Easy operation.

Broadband Wavelength

The prisms can be used as polarizers, beamsplitters or beam combiners. The output beam which is parallel to the input beam is called the p-polarized beam whilst the orthogonal output beam is defined as the s-polarized beam.

Single Wavelength