WHAT IT DOES:
- Splits a plane-polarized beam into two beams, the intensity
ratio of which can be varied
- Enables the user to set the polarization of each of the
output beams to S (perpendicular) to P (parallel)
USES:
- As a beam splitter in holography to provide an adjustable
intensity ratio and fringe stability
- For precision interferometry applications
- For general laser/optical laboratory applications
- As a Q-switch for low-power lasers
HOW IT WORKS:
Each of the three ports contains a quartz
λ/2 plate; inside
the unit is a polarizing cube beam splitter. A laser
beam entering the unit passes through the first
λ/2 plate,
which can be used to adjust the plane of polarization.
When the beam reaches the beam splitter cube, the S (perpendicular)
component of the beam is reflected at a right angle to the
original axis while the P (perpendicular) component is transmitted
straight through. Thus, the first plate controls the
intensity ratio. Finally, each of the beams passes through
another
λ/2 plate, which can be used to alter the plane
of polarization of each. |
SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Housing: post mounted (1/4" - 20 threads)
a. Width: 2.000" x 2.000" (50.8
mm x 50.8 mm)
b. Height: 2.000" (50.8 mm)
c. Plate Carrier Diameter: 0.75" (19.05
mm)
d. Aperture Diameter: 0.400" (10.17
mm)
2. Half-Wave Plate
a. Total of 3 (10 mm diameter)
b. Quartz Half-Wave Plates
I. Tenth Wave Surface
(λ/10)
II. Antireflection
Coating
3. Polarizing Cube (two right-angle prisms)
a. Material: BK7, grade A fine annealed
(IR is silica)
b. Antireflection Coating: 0.25%-all sides
c. Glass Quality: 40-20 scratch and dig
d. Wave front Distortion:
λ/2 at 633
nm
e. Flatness: 1/10 wave
4. Overall Specifications:
a. Principal Transmittance:
I. >98%
for P-polarization
II. >2% for
S-polarization
b. Principal Reflectance
I.
>98% for S-polarization
II. < 2% for
P-polarization
c. Beam Deviation: < 3 arc min
5. Comes with the following:
a. Hard carry case
b. Base support
c. Post and Post holder (specify size) |