Beamsplitters - Andover Corporation

Beamsplitters and Prisms

High-Accuracy Splitting Across UV, VIS, and IR

Laser beamsplitter with coated optical surface, shown in a close-up studio shot.

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Beamsplitters are essential optical components that divide incident light into separate beams or combine multiple beams into one. Andover Corporation offers a range of high-precision beamsplitters designed to meet the stringent requirements of various industries, including aerospace, defense, medical imaging, and scientific research.

Key Features

Customizable reflection/transmission (R/T) ratios
Broad wavelength coverage from UV to IR
Polarizing and non-polarizing options
Available in cube and plate configurations
High durability and environmental stability
Precision coatings for optimal performance

Common Beamsplitter Applications

Andover's beamsplitters are utilized in a variety of applications, such as:

Aerospace systems: Beamsplitters are used in navigation and imaging equipment aboard aircraft and satellites.
Defense and targeting systems: Support laser designation, rangefinding, and surveillance.
Astronomical instruments: Enable spectrometry and precise light separation for celestial observation.
Biomedical imaging: Critical in fluorescence microscopes, endoscopes, and diagnostic tools.

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Types of Beamsplitters

Beamsplitters are classified by function into non-polarizing, polarizing, and wavelength-selective types. Each type is engineered to split light based on intensity, polarization state, or spectral properties, depending on the application.

Standard

Designed to split unpolarized light at specific R/T ratios, these beamsplitters are ideal for general-purpose applications.

Polarizing

These separate light into S and P polarization states, making them suitable for applications requiring polarization control.

Non-Polarizing

Engineered to maintain the polarization state of light while splitting it, these are used in systems where preserving polarization is critical.

Dichroic

Utilize wavelength-specific coatings to split light by wavelength, commonly used in fluorescence and multi-spectral imaging.

Beamsplitter Configurations

Cube and plate beamsplitters are the two primary types, each designed to divide light by reflection and transmission. Cube beamsplitters offer compact integration and minimal beam shift, while plate beamsplitters are lightweight, cost-effective, and easier to manufacture in larger sizes.

Cube

Constructed by cementing two right-angle prisms together with a partially reflective coating on the hypotenuse of one prism.

No beam shift
Equal optical path lengths for transmitted and reflected beams
Compact and robust design

Plate

Flat glass substrates with a partially reflective coating, optimized for a 45° angle of incidence.

Lightweight and easy to integrate
Suitable for applications where beam displacement is acceptable

Explore our Beamsplitter Product Line or Request a Quote for custom solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between polarizing and non-polarizing beamsplitters?

Can I get a beamsplitter with a custom R/T ratio?

What is the typical wavelength range for your beamsplitters?

How do I choose between a cube and a plate beamsplitter?

Do you offer beamsplitters for high-power laser applications?

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Biomedical & Life Sciences

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