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Guide
Beamsplitters selection Guide
A beamsplitter is an optic that splits light into 2 directions.
The split ratio of light transmittance and reflectance is 1:1 and is called a half mirror.
The 2 forms of beamsplitters are cube and plate type.
| Type | Overview drawing | Features | Application |
| Plate |  |
Good fit for large beam size applications at a reasonable price. Advantages are: minimal back reflection, compact light-path as compared to cube type beamsplitters and low chromatic dispersion. There may be a slight offset of the transmitted beam due to refraction. For 45 degrees incident application, the clear aperture would be elliptical. There may be some vignetting on angle of incidence. | Large beam size optical set up. Used in large beam size optical layouts. Used for monitoring optical systems, split beams into different wavelengths, polarizations or intensities. |
| Cube |  |
Can be applied at its maximum effective area from any incident direction, easy to be applied in optical design and simple for optical set up adjustment High cost and high weight for large beam size application. Feedback light at less than 1% may happen. The transmittance light through the cube is longer than a plate type, the chromatic dispersion is higher. Eliminates the problem of beam deviation. | For a compact size optical set up. For high accuracy experiment and optical set up usage. |
Experimentation with laser (Linear polarized light)
Lasers are used to evaluate our half mirrors and with the polarization properties of the laser,
we are able to check the change of light splitting ratios.
| Type | Overview drawing | Application | Polarization constraints received when laser light is used | Polarization dependency |
| Non-polarizing (NPCH) |  |
For high accuracy laser experiment with accurate light ratios at any polarization levels. | The light ratios at 1:1 stay stable even when the polarization situation changes. No power loss. |  |
| Hybrid (HBCH) |  |
For multi-wavelength light splitting solutions. | Light ratio at 1:1 from any specified light incident direction will remain similar. | |
| Laser Line Plate (PSMH) |
 |
Large beam size, multi mirror optical set up with small power light source and supports high power laser light splitting. | Polarization at 45 degree (AOI) or circle polarization light with no power loss detected. | |
| Chromium Plate (PSCH) |  |
Large beam size and observation optical system. | Polarization at 45 degree (AOI) or circle polarization light with 36% absorption of light power. | |
| Chromium Cube (CSCH) |  |
For basic laser experiments and compact optical solutions. Great entry level price. | Polarization at 45 degree (AOI) or circle polarization light with 40% absorption of light power. | |
| Dielectric Cube (CSMH) |  |
For general white light and non-polarizing light i.e. LED light splitting solutions. | Polarization at 45 degree (AOI) or circle polarization light with no power loss detected. |
