ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the basic principles that govern light passing through a beamsplitter. It presents some beamsplitters and their applications. Various types of beamsplitters and their applications are presented. In addition to the function of dividing light, beamsplitters can be employed to recombine two separate light beams or images into a single path. The light beam output components can be arranged exiting the beamsplitters either parallel or perpendicular to the input light. There are many types of beamsplitters that are used in different applications. Some are used with polarizing and non-polarizing light, or with visible and near infrared wave. The non-polarizing cube beamsplitters are constructed from a pair of precision, high-tolerance right angle prisms cemented together with a metallic-dielectric coating on the hypotenuse of one of the prisms. If polarization sensitivity is critical in an application, then using the polarizing cube beamsplitters is recommended. Cube beamsplitters are available in three types: broadband hybrid, broadband dielectric, and laser-line non-polarizing.
