Beamsplitters

Beamsplitting cubes, also known as beam splitters, are optical devices used to split a beam of light into two separate beams. These cubes typically consist of two right-angled prisms that are cemented together at their hypotenuse faces, with a partially reflective coating applied to the interface. The key functions and characteristics of beamsplitting cubes include:

1. Splitting Light: They divide an incoming light beam into two beams. One beam is transmitted through the cube while the other is reflected at a 90-degree angle.

2. Polarization: Some beamsplitters are designed to split light based on polarization, known as polarizing beam splitters. They separate the light into two beams of orthogonal polarization states.

3. Wavelength Specific: The reflective coating can be designed to work with specific wavelengths of light, allowing for customized applications.

4. Efficiency: Beamsplitting cubes can be designed to split the light equally (50/50) or in any other desired ratio (e.g., 70/30, 90/10).

5. Applications: They are widely used in optical systems, including interferometers, laser systems, and imaging systems, where it is necessary to split or combine light beams.

The main advantage of beamsplitting cubes is their ability to precisely control the splitting of light with minimal distortion and loss, making them essential components in many optical and photonic devices.