PE-BS-POL-043 · Standard + Custom

Polarizing Beamsplitters

Polarization-dependent beamsplitters separating S and P polarization

Material
BK7 / Fused Silica
Wavelength
VIS / NIR (design wavelength)
Type
Polarizing Cube
Category
Optical Beamsplitters
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Polarizing Beamsplitters

Key Specifications

TypePolarizing Cube Beamsplitter
Extinction Ratio> 100:1 (typical)
TransmissionP-polarization > 95%
ReflectionS-polarization > 95%
SubstrateBK7 / UV Fused Silica
Size5-50 mm cube
Surface Quality40-20 / 20-10
AR CoatingsBBAR available

What Is a Polarizing Beamsplitters?

Polarizing Beamsplitters divide an incident beam into two paths with controlled splitting ratios. Polarization-dependent beamsplitters separating S and P polarization.

PhotonEdge beamsplitters are manufactured with precision substrates and controlled coating processes for reliable, repeatable performance across your optical system.

When Should You Use This Product?

✔ Good Choice When

  • ✓ Laser polarization separation
  • ✓ Polarization-based optical isolation
  • ✓ Ellipsometry and polarization measurements
  • ✓ Optical system polarization management

⚠ Consider an Alternative When

✗ Equal split, no polarization → Non-Polarizing Beamsplitter
✗ Higher extinction → Glan-Thompson Prism
✗ Plate form factor → Plate Beamsplitter
✗ Waveplate combination → Waveplates + Polarizer

Available Optical Materials

Select the optimal substrate material based on your wavelength, environment, and budget requirements.

MaterialTransmissionKey AdvantageConsiderations
BK7VIS / NIR (350-2000nm)Low cost, standard substrateNot for UV < 350nm
UV Fused SilicaUV / VIS / NIR (185-2100nm)UV-compatible, low absorptionHigher cost

Not sure which material to choose?

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Optical Coating Options

Dielectric Coating

Wavelength-specific splitting. High durability.

Typical use: Laser and precision systems

Metallic Coating

Broadband splitting. Flat spectral response.

Typical use: White light and broadband systems

Custom Coating

Engineered for specific splitting requirements.

Typical use: Specialized applications

How to Specify Your Coating

To select the right coating, please provide: (1) Operating wavelength, (2) Angle of incidence, (3) Required transmission or reflectivity, (4) Laser power density (if applicable), (5) Operating environment.

Engineering Considerations

Key factors to evaluate when specifying this optical component for your system.

Splitting Ratio

Specify required T/R ratio and tolerance. Standard 50/50 ±5%. Custom ratios available.

Wavelength Dependence

Dielectric coatings are wavelength-specific. Metallic coatings are more broadband.

Polarization Effects

Standard cubes are polarization-dependent. Specify NPBS for polarization-independent splitting.

Ghost Reflections

Plate beamsplitters produce ghost reflections from the uncoated surface. Use wedge plates or cubes to eliminate.

Have a Custom Optical Requirement?

Upload your drawing or describe your specification. Our engineering team will review and respond within 24 hours with a detailed quotation.

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Applications

Laser Systems

Beam delivery, focusing, and conditioning for industrial and scientific laser systems.

Semiconductor

Wafer inspection, lithography support, and process control optics.

Machine Vision

Image formation in inspection systems and quality control cameras.

Research & Education

Laboratory optics, teaching setups, and experimental beam paths.

Manufacturing & Customization

PhotonEdge supports optical component sourcing, engineering review, and qualified manufacturing through our optical manufacturing network. We coordinate production, coating, and inspection to deliver components that meet your specifications.

🔬
Prototype
⚙️
Low Volume
🏭
Volume Production
📋
Custom Specification

Quality Assurance

Dimensional Inspection

Diameter, thickness, focal length verified per specification

Surface Quality

Scratch-dig inspection under calibrated illumination

Coating Verification

Spectrophotometric measurement of transmission/reflectance

Inspection documentation available according to project requirements. Certificates of Conformance, material test reports, and coating curves can be provided.

You May Also Need

Cube Beamsplitters

Standard 50/50 cubes

Plate Beamsplitters

Flexible plate designs

NPBS

Polarization-independent

PBS

Polarization-dependent

Related Knowledge

Beamsplitters: Selection and Application Guide

Read article →

Understanding Optical Coatings

Read article →

Laser Optics: Component Selection Guide

Read article →

Spectroscopy Optics Selection Guide

Read article →

Engineering Documentation

The following documentation is available upon request for qualified engineering projects:

📐
Dimensional Drawing

CAD & dimensional specs per your requirements

📊
Material Data Sheet

Material properties, transmission curves & certificates

📈
Coating Performance Curve

Spectrophotometric measurement data

🔍
Inspection Report

Surface quality, flatness, centration & dimensional data

✅
Certificate of Conformance

CoC with full traceability per project requirements

📋
Custom Specification Sheet

Application-specific specification documentation

Documentation availability depends on project scope and order quantity. Request details during RFQ.

Further Reading: Engineering Guides

Deepen your understanding with our engineering guides and application notes:

Laser Optics Components Guide Optical Materials Selection Handbook Beam Expander Design Considerations Browse All Knowledge Center Articles Browse All Application Notes

Ordering Information

Price Range
See Quote
Standard Lead Time
Ships within 1 week after payment
Custom Lead Time
Subject to engineering evaluation
MOQ
1 Piece
Samples
Available

Contact us for exact pricing based on your specifications.

Specification Parameters

Typical Specifications shown on this page are standard capabilities. Available Options include alternative materials and coatings. Custom Specifications are available per your drawing. Requirements beyond standard capability are marked Subject to Engineering Review.

Get a Quote Full Ordering Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What splitting ratios are available?

Standard ratios include 50/50, 70/30, 90/10, and custom ratios. Both transmitting and reflecting percentages can be specified.

What is the difference between cube and plate beamsplitters?

Cube beamsplitters use cemented prisms with coating at the diagonal. Plate beamsplitters use a single substrate with coating on one surface. Cubes are more compact; plates offer more design flexibility.

Can I specify polarization-dependent or non-polarizing?

Yes. Both polarizing (PBS) and non-polarizing (NPBS) beamsplitters are available.

What wavelength range do you support?

From deep UV (200nm) through visible to mid-IR (5µm+), depending on substrate and coating materials.

How do I specify a beamsplitter?

Provide: type (cube/plate), splitting ratio, wavelength, polarization requirement, size, and coating.

What is the lead time?

Standard beamsplitters ship within 1-2 weeks, depending on quantity and specifications. Custom designs require 3-4 weeks, subject to change based on order specifics.

Not Sure Which Specification You Need?

Describe your optical system and our AI Optical Engineer will help identify the right specifications, materials, and coatings for your application.

Analyze My Requirement

Request a Quote

Provide your requirements and our engineering team will respond within 24 hours with a detailed quotation.

TypeExtinction RatioTransmissionReflectionSubstrateSizeSurface QualityAR Coatings
Submit Engineering Request

Have a Custom Requirement?

Upload your drawing or specifications. Our engineering team will review and respond within 24 business hours.

Upload Your Drawing Request a Quote

Related Optical Materials

Learn more about the optical materials available for this product

🔵BK7 🟣UV Fused Silica
View All Materials →