Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS)

Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS) are crucial optical components that divide a single incident light beam into two beams traveling in perpendicular directions. Unlike conventional beam splitters, PBSs ensure that the resulting beams are both linearly polarized, with their polarization directions mutually perpendicular. This unique property makes PBSs indispensable in applications requiring precise polarization control, such as imaging systems, interferometry, and laser technologies.

How Polarizing Beam Splitters Work

PBSs operate based on the polarization properties of light. When an incident beam enters the PBS, the P-polarized component (parallel to the plane of incidence) is transmitted, while the S-polarized component (perpendicular to the plane of incidence) is reflected. This separation is achieved through the use of a polarizing beam splitting film, which selectively reflects or transmits light based on its polarization state.

Key Features of PBS Operation:

Transmission of P-Polarized Light: The P-polarized component of the incident beam passes through the PBS.

Reflection of S-Polarized Light: The S-polarized component is reflected at 90° to the transmitted beam.

Mutual Orthogonality: Both the transmitted and reflected beams are linearly polarized, with their polarization directions perpendicular to each other.

Components and Structure of Polarizing Beam Splitters

A polarizing beam splitter typically consists of two right-angle prisms with their hypotenuse faces bonded or optically contacted. A polarizing beam splitting film is deposited on the hypotenuse surface, where the light interaction occurs. The mating surfaces of the prisms are often coated with anti-reflection (AR) films to minimize losses and improve overall performance.

General Specifications:

Substrate Material: H-ZF3

Surface Accuracy: λ/10 @ 633 nm

Surface Quality: 40/20–60/40 scratch-dig

Clear Aperture: 90%

Transmitted Beam Error: ±5 arc minutes

Reflected Beam Angle: 90° ± 5'

Dimension Tolerance: ±0.2 mm

Coatings:

Polarizing Beam Splitting Film: Provides high transmission for P-polarized light (TP > 90%) and high reflection for S-polarized light (RS > 99.5%).

Extinction Ratio: TP/TS > 1000:1, ensuring superior polarization separation.

Anti-Reflection Coatings: Applied to non-hypotenuse surfaces for broadband wavelength ranges (e.g., 420–1600 nm).

Catolog

Bena Optics is a leading provider of high-performance polarizing beam splitters, designed to meet the exacting requirements of advanced optical systems. Our PBSs feature precision-engineered coatings and mechanical designs, ensuring superior polarization separation and optical efficiency.

With a focus on innovation and quality, Bena Optics’ PBS solutions are ideal for applications in imaging, interferometry, laser systems, and optical communications. Explore our range of PBS products and experience the difference that advanced optical technology can make.