Beamsplitters

Beamsplitters separate a beam of light by wavelength, power, or polarization into two orthogonal beams. The properties of the divided beams depend both on the beamsplitter coating and on the mechanical characteristics of the plate or cube upon which it has been coated. Here at CVI Laser Optics, we combine our expertise in the manufacture of quality optics with our many optical coatings to create a broad range of beamsplitters available for the most common applications in research or prototyping.

We also work with you one-on-one to develop custom beamsplitters for new product development. Our expert technical staff will guide you through the many options we can offer, ranging from custom split ratios, unique materials, and custom coatings to unusually large or small dimensions. We understand that high laser damage threshold and beam displacement are important considerations when incorporating a beamsplitter into a new optical design, and will work with you to navigate our options for beamsplitter construction, coatings, and surface quality to strike the optimum balance between cost and performance. Our beamsplitter coatings can be applied to all size and shape of substrates depending on your OEM application. High quality antireflection coatings are also available on all our beamsplitters to aid maximum throughput and power handling.

Capabilities

  Standard Custom Options
Types Plate, cube  
Materials N-BK7, UV-grade fused silica CaF2, crown glass, N-SF2
Dimensions 12.7 to 50.8 mm 10 to 250 mm 
Coatings
  • Polarizing
  • Laser line dielectric
  • Wavelengths from 193 to 2100 nm
  • Fixed split ratios from 50:50 to 1:99
  • Extinction ratios up to 1000:1
  • Custom split ratios by polarization
  • Other wavelengths
  • Partially reflecting metal
  • Higher extinction ratios
Quality  Precision and laser grade See manufacturing tolerances below
Construction (cubes)
  • Optical adhesive contacting
  • Optical contacting
 

Cube Beamsplitter Manufacturing Capabilities**

Surface Tolerances Precision Laser Quality
Surface quality (scratch - dig) 20 - 10 10 - 5
Surface roughness (Å, RMS) 20 5
Flat Irregularity, (P-V @ 633 nm before coating) λ/4 λ/10
Dimensional Tolerances Standard Precision
Length & width (mm) ±-0.25 ± 0.15
Thickness (mm) ±-0.25 ± 0.15
Angular deviation ≤ 5 arc min ≤ 5 arc min
Clear Aperture ≥ 85% ≥ 85%

Plate Beamsplitter Manufacturing Capabilities**

Surface Tolerances Precision Laser Quality
Surface Quality (scratch - dig) 20 - 10 10 - 5
Surface roughness (Å, RMS) 20 5
Surface Figure (P-V @ 633 nm before coating) λ/4 λ/10
Dimensional Tolerances Standard Precision
Diameter (mm) +0/-0.25 +0/-0.10
Length & width (mm) +0/-0.25 +0/-0.15
Thickness (mm) ± 0.25 ± 0.10
Wedge ≤ 5 arc min ≤ 10 arc sec
Clear Aperture ≥ 85% ≥ 85%

 

** Note: The general tolerance specifications above are intended to guide determination of appropriate tolerances based both on relative cost and manufacturability. Part-specific tolerances will vary depending on size, material, shape and aspect ratio. Tighter tolerances may be possible, so please contact us to discuss your custom specifications. All specifications do not need to be from a single column, though trade-offs may be required in order to meet the desired combination of cost and performance.