High-Power, Laser Line, Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes, Mounted
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/Images/GuideImages/6056_MountedHighPowerBSCubes_6.jpg)
- High Damage Threshold (See the Damage Thresholds Tab)
- Available Wavelengths: 355, 405, 532, 633, 780 - 808, and 1064 nm
- SM1 and 30 mm Cage System Compatible
CCM1-PBS25-532-HP
532 nm
CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP
1064 nm
Mounted Beamsplitting
Cube in 30 mm Cage Setup
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![Cube-Mounted Beamsplitter Drawing](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/High_Power_Beamsplitter_Cube_D2-550.gif)
Click to Enlarge
Reference drawing for our high-power polarizing beamsplitter cubes. The top engraving indicates the item # and one of the possible beam paths. The imperial versions have an 8-32 tap, whereas the metric versions have an M4 x 0.7 tap.
![Engraving Detail](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Mounted_Beamsplitter_Cube_A2-300.jpg)
Click for Details
The engraving on the mount indicates the item # and one of the possible beam paths.
Features
- 1" (25.4 mm) Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes Mounted in Cage Cubes with Four SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Ports
- Design Wavelengths: 355 nm, 405 nm, 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, or 1064 nm
- High Damage Threshold (See the Damage Thresholds Tab)
- Optical Contact at Beamsplitter Interface Minimizes Absorption and Scattering Losses
- Connect Two Cage Cubes Side by Side with the CM1-CC Cage Cube Connector
Thorlabs offers high-power, polarizing, beamsplitter cubes mounted in 30 mm cage system compatible housings with SM1-threaded ports. These cubes split an incoming beam of light into its S- and P-polarized components by reflecting the S-polarized component at the dielectric beamsplitter coating, while allowing the P-polarized component to pass. For the highest polarization extinction ratio, use the transmitted beam, which offers an extinction ratio of Tp:Ts > 2000:1. These beamsplitter cubes have a dielectric V-coating on four faces that minimizes reflectance over the specified wavelengths. They are designed for use at 405 nm, 633 nm, the 780 - 808 nm range, or with one of three major Nd:YAG harmonics (355 nm, 532 nm, or 1064 nm).
The beamsplitting interface of these cubes has an epoxy-free, optical contact bond, which results in insignificant levels of absorption and scattering loss. By polishing the internal diagonal surfaces of each cube to such a high flatness as to achieve optical contact, Thorlabs has been able to manufacture compact, thermally stable beamsplitter cubes with higher transmission and minimal beam displacement. The beamsplitting coating is only applied to one of the two diagonal surfaces prior to the optical contacting. Light can be input into any of the polished faces to separate the S- and P-polarized components. Each part is engraved with the item number and a set of arrows indicating one of the possible beam paths (as seen in the diagram above).
Cage System Compatibility
Each of these cage-cube-mounted polarizing beamsplitters has four SM1-threaded ports and can be mounted on a post via an 8-32 (M4) tapped hole on the bottom. Additional cube-compatible SM1-threaded Ø1/2" rotation mounts are also offered separately. Other cage cubes can be connected to this housing through the use of the CM1-CC Connector or cage rods with our ERSCB adapters.
Other Cage Cube Options
These beamsplitter cubes are epoxied within their cage cube mounts and cannot be removed. However, we also offer empty 30 mm cage cubes are available that are compatible with our line of unmounted polarizing beamsplitter cubes. For a complete selection of our cube-mounted optics please see the Mounted Optics Guide tab.
Transmission and Reflection Data
This tab contains plots for the typical transmission of our high-power polarizing beamsplitter cubes and plots of the reflectance for the AR coatings used on the outer surfaces of the cubes.
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Variable_Attenuator_Assembly_A2-350.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Components to build a variable beamsplitter/attenuator are shown here.
Variable Beamsplitter/Attenuator
Thorlabs offers several variable beamsplitters/attenuators designed for discrete wavelengths that can be used to continuously vary the transmitted intensity of a linearly polarized beam of light. If you are interested in a variable attenuator at another wavelengths or for use with higher powers, it is possible to build your own using one of our mounted high-power beamsplitter cubes, a half-wave plate, and the CRM05 rotation mount.
Operation
Linearly polarized light enters the beamsplitter/attenuator through the half-wave plate and is rotated by twice the angle between the half-wave plate's fast axis and the polarization of the incoming beam. Next, the light encounters the beamsplitter cube, where it is separated into its P and S polarization states. The P-polarized light passes straight through the cube, while the S-polarized light is reflected at a 90° angle out the side of the cube. The ratio of P:S-polarized light entering the beamsplitter cube can be continuously varied by changing the angle of the half-wave plate's fast axis.
The transmitted output of the variable beamsplitter/attenuator will have the same polarization state as the incoming light if the incident beam is P polarized. For a P-polarized incoming beam, maximum transmission is achieved when the fast axis is aligned to the beam polarization. Minimum transmission occurs when the fast-axis of the wave plate is at a 45° angle to the incoming beam: the light will be rotated to the S polarization and be reflected out the side of the beamsplitting cube.
Construction
The example shown here uses a CCM1-PBS25-405-HP polarizing beamsplitter cube, a WPMH05M-405 Ø1/2" half-wave plate, and the CRM05 rotation mount. When selecting a beamsplitter cube and wave plate to use, make sure that they are optimized for the same wavelength and that any damage thresholds provided suit your application.
1. Begin by removing the half-wave plate from its mount. The wave plate is held in the mount by an SM05RR retaining ring, which can be loosened using an SPW603 spanner wrench. The edge of the wave plate is polished flat to mark the fast axis.
2. Install the wave plate in the CRM05 using the included SM05RR retaining ring. Make sure to note the engraved angle on the CRM05 that aligns with the fast-axis of the wave plate.
3. Screw the assembly into the input port of the polarizing beamsplitter cube.
The variable beamsplitter/attenuator is now ready for use.
Component | Quantity |
---|---|
Mounted High-Power Beamsplitter Cube | 1 |
Ø1/2" Half-Wave Plate | 1 |
Continuous Rotation Mount (CRM05) | 1 |
Spanner Wrench for SM05 Retaining Rings (SPW603) | 1 |
![wave plate fast axis](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Retarder_D1-192.gif)
Figure 1. A flat section on the edge of the wave plate marks the fast axis.
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Assembled_Wave_Plate_A1-300.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Figure 2. Mount the Ø1/2" wave plate in the CRM05 rotation mount using the included SM05RR retaining ring.
![](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/tabimages/Beamsplitter_Variable_Attenuator_A2-300.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
Figure 3. Screw the rotation mount onto the SM1-threaded input aperture of the mounted beamsplitter cube to complete the variable attenuator.
30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Optics Selection Guide
The table below provides links to all of our 30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted optics. For our selection of 16 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Optics, please see our 16 mm Cage Systems guide.
30 mm Cage Cube Empty Optic Mounts Selection Guide
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Rectangular Dichroic Mirrors and Filters | Empty Compact 30 mm Cage Cube |
Damage Threshold Specifications | ||
---|---|---|
Coating Designation (Item # Suffix) |
Damage Threshold | |
-355-HP | Pulsed | 3 J/cm2 (355 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.299 mm) |
-405-HP |
CWa | 70 W/cm (405 nm, CW, Ø30 µm)b |
-532-HP |
Pulsed | >10 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.43 mm) |
CWa | 350 W/cm (532 nm, Ø1 mm)b | |
-780-HP |
Pulsed | >10 J/cm2 (810 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.062 mm) |
-1064-HP |
Pulsed | >10 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø1.00 mm) |
CWa | 3000 W/cm (1064 nm, Ø30 µm)b |
Damage Threshold Data for Thorlabs' High-Power, Polarizing, Beamsplitter Cube
The specifications to the right are measured data for Thorlabs' polarizing beamsplitter cubes.
Laser Induced Damage Threshold Tutorial
The following is a general overview of how laser induced damage thresholds are measured and how the values may be utilized in determining the appropriateness of an optic for a given application. When choosing optics, it is important to understand the Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) of the optics being used. The LIDT for an optic greatly depends on the type of laser you are using. Continuous wave (CW) lasers typically cause damage from thermal effects (absorption either in the coating or in the substrate). Pulsed lasers, on the other hand, often strip electrons from the lattice structure of an optic before causing thermal damage. Note that the guideline presented here assumes room temperature operation and optics in new condition (i.e., within scratch-dig spec, surface free of contamination, etc.). Because dust or other particles on the surface of an optic can cause damage at lower thresholds, we recommend keeping surfaces clean and free of debris. For more information on cleaning optics, please see our Optics Cleaning tutorial.
Testing Method
Thorlabs' LIDT testing is done in compliance with ISO/DIS 11254 and ISO 21254 specifications.
First, a low-power/energy beam is directed to the optic under test. The optic is exposed in 10 locations to this laser beam for 30 seconds (CW) or for a number of pulses (pulse repetition frequency specified). After exposure, the optic is examined by a microscope (~100X magnification) for any visible damage. The number of locations that are damaged at a particular power/energy level is recorded. Next, the power/energy is either increased or decreased and the optic is exposed at 10 new locations. This process is repeated until damage is observed. The damage threshold is then assigned to be the highest power/energy that the optic can withstand without causing damage. A histogram such as that below represents the testing of one BB1-E02 mirror.
![LIDT metallic mirror](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Dielectric_Mirror_Damage_Threshold-300.jpg)
The photograph above is a protected aluminum-coated mirror after LIDT testing. In this particular test, it handled 0.43 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø1.000 mm) before damage.
![LIDT BB1-E02](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Dielectric_Mirror_Exposure_Histogram-390.gif)
Example Test Data | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fluence | # of Tested Locations | Locations with Damage | Locations Without Damage |
1.50 J/cm2 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
1.75 J/cm2 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
2.00 J/cm2 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
2.25 J/cm2 | 10 | 1 | 9 |
3.00 J/cm2 | 10 | 1 | 9 |
5.00 J/cm2 | 10 | 9 | 1 |
According to the test, the damage threshold of the mirror was 2.00 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.803 mm). Please keep in mind that these tests are performed on clean optics, as dirt and contamination can significantly lower the damage threshold of a component. While the test results are only representative of one coating run, Thorlabs specifies damage threshold values that account for coating variances.
Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers
When an optic is damaged by a continuous wave (CW) laser, it is usually due to the melting of the surface as a result of absorbing the laser's energy or damage to the optical coating (antireflection) [1]. Pulsed lasers with pulse lengths longer than 1 µs can be treated as CW lasers for LIDT discussions.
When pulse lengths are between 1 ns and 1 µs, laser-induced damage can occur either because of absorption or a dielectric breakdown (therefore, a user must check both CW and pulsed LIDT). Absorption is either due to an intrinsic property of the optic or due to surface irregularities; thus LIDT values are only valid for optics meeting or exceeding the surface quality specifications given by a manufacturer. While many optics can handle high power CW lasers, cemented (e.g., achromatic doublets) or highly absorptive (e.g., ND filters) optics tend to have lower CW damage thresholds. These lower thresholds are due to absorption or scattering in the cement or metal coating.
LIDT in linear power density vs. pulse length and spot size. For long pulses to CW, linear power density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].
![Intensity Distribution](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Pulsed_Laser_Intensity_Distribution-390.gif)
Pulsed lasers with high pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) may behave similarly to CW beams. Unfortunately, this is highly dependent on factors such as absorption and thermal diffusivity, so there is no reliable method for determining when a high PRF laser will damage an optic due to thermal effects. For beams with a high PRF both the average and peak powers must be compared to the equivalent CW power. Additionally, for highly transparent materials, there is little to no drop in the LIDT with increasing PRF.
In order to use the specified CW damage threshold of an optic, it is necessary to know the following:
- Wavelength of your laser
- Beam diameter of your beam (1/e2)
- Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)
- Linear power density of your beam (total power divided by 1/e2 beam diameter)
Thorlabs expresses LIDT for CW lasers as a linear power density measured in W/cm. In this regime, the LIDT given as a linear power density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size, as demonstrated by the graph to the right. Average linear power density can be calculated using the equation below.
The calculation above assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now consider hotspots in the beam or other non-uniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum power density. For reference, a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum power density that is twice that of the uniform beam (see lower right).
Now compare the maximum power density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has a linear relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 10 W/cm at 1310 nm scales to 5 W/cm at 655 nm):
While this rule of thumb provides a general trend, it is not a quantitative analysis of LIDT vs wavelength. In CW applications, for instance, damage scales more strongly with absorption in the coating and substrate, which does not necessarily scale well with wavelength. While the above procedure provides a good rule of thumb for LIDT values, please contact Tech Support if your wavelength is different from the specified LIDT wavelength. If your power density is less than the adjusted LIDT of the optic, then the optic should work for your application.
Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. The damage analysis will be carried out on a similar optic (customer's optic will not be damaged). Testing may result in additional costs or lead times. Contact Tech Support for more information.
Pulsed Lasers
As previously stated, pulsed lasers typically induce a different type of damage to the optic than CW lasers. Pulsed lasers often do not heat the optic enough to damage it; instead, pulsed lasers produce strong electric fields capable of inducing dielectric breakdown in the material. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to compare the LIDT specification of an optic to your laser. There are multiple regimes in which a pulsed laser can damage an optic and this is based on the laser's pulse length. The highlighted columns in the table below outline the relevant pulse lengths for our specified LIDT values.
Pulses shorter than 10-9 s cannot be compared to our specified LIDT values with much reliability. In this ultra-short-pulse regime various mechanics, such as multiphoton-avalanche ionization, take over as the predominate damage mechanism [2]. In contrast, pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s may cause damage to an optic either because of dielectric breakdown or thermal effects. This means that both CW and pulsed damage thresholds must be compared to the laser beam to determine whether the optic is suitable for your application.
Pulse Duration | t < 10-9 s | 10-9 < t < 10-7 s | 10-7 < t < 10-4 s | t > 10-4 s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Damage Mechanism | Avalanche Ionization | Dielectric Breakdown | Dielectric Breakdown or Thermal | Thermal |
Relevant Damage Specification | No Comparison (See Above) | Pulsed | Pulsed and CW | CW |
When comparing an LIDT specified for a pulsed laser to your laser, it is essential to know the following:
LIDT in energy density vs. pulse length and spot size. For short pulses, energy density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].
- Wavelength of your laser
- Energy density of your beam (total energy divided by 1/e2 area)
- Pulse length of your laser
- Pulse repetition frequency (prf) of your laser
- Beam diameter of your laser (1/e2 )
- Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)
The energy density of your beam should be calculated in terms of J/cm2. The graph to the right shows why expressing the LIDT as an energy density provides the best metric for short pulse sources. In this regime, the LIDT given as an energy density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size. This calculation assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now adjust this energy density to account for hotspots or other nonuniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum energy density. For reference a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum energy density that is twice that of the 1/e2 beam.
Now compare the maximum energy density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately [3]. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has an inverse square root relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 1 J/cm2 at 1064 nm scales to 0.7 J/cm2 at 532 nm):
You now have a wavelength-adjusted energy density, which you will use in the following step.
Beam diameter is also important to know when comparing damage thresholds. While the LIDT, when expressed in units of J/cm², scales independently of spot size; large beam sizes are more likely to illuminate a larger number of defects which can lead to greater variances in the LIDT [4]. For data presented here, a <1 mm beam size was used to measure the LIDT. For beams sizes greater than 5 mm, the LIDT (J/cm2) will not scale independently of beam diameter due to the larger size beam exposing more defects.
The pulse length must now be compensated for. The longer the pulse duration, the more energy the optic can handle. For pulse widths between 1 - 100 ns, an approximation is as follows:
Use this formula to calculate the Adjusted LIDT for an optic based on your pulse length. If your maximum energy density is less than this adjusted LIDT maximum energy density, then the optic should be suitable for your application. Keep in mind that this calculation is only used for pulses between 10-9 s and 10-7 s. For pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s, the CW LIDT must also be checked before deeming the optic appropriate for your application.
Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. Contact Tech Support for more information.
[1] R. M. Wood, Optics and Laser Tech. 29, 517 (1998).
[2] Roger M. Wood, Laser-Induced Damage of Optical Materials (Institute of Physics Publishing, Philadelphia, PA, 2003).
[3] C. W. Carr et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 127402 (2003).
[4] N. Bloembergen, Appl. Opt. 12, 661 (1973).
In order to illustrate the process of determining whether a given laser system will damage an optic, a number of example calculations of laser induced damage threshold are given below. For assistance with performing similar calculations, we provide a spreadsheet calculator that can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right. To use the calculator, enter the specified LIDT value of the optic under consideration and the relevant parameters of your laser system in the green boxes. The spreadsheet will then calculate a linear power density for CW and pulsed systems, as well as an energy density value for pulsed systems. These values are used to calculate adjusted, scaled LIDT values for the optics based on accepted scaling laws. This calculator assumes a Gaussian beam profile, so a correction factor must be introduced for other beam shapes (uniform, etc.). The LIDT scaling laws are determined from empirical relationships; their accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember that absorption by optics or coatings can significantly reduce LIDT in some spectral regions. These LIDT values are not valid for ultrashort pulses less than one nanosecond in duration.
![Intensity Distribution](https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/Pulsed_Laser_Intensity_Distribution-390.gif)
A Gaussian beam profile has about twice the maximum intensity of a uniform beam profile.
CW Laser Example
Suppose that a CW laser system at 1319 nm produces a 0.5 W Gaussian beam that has a 1/e2 diameter of 10 mm. A naive calculation of the average linear power density of this beam would yield a value of 0.5 W/cm, given by the total power divided by the beam diameter:
However, the maximum power density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the maximum power density of a uniform beam, as shown in the graph to the right. Therefore, a more accurate determination of the maximum linear power density of the system is 1 W/cm.
An AC127-030-C achromatic doublet lens has a specified CW LIDT of 350 W/cm, as tested at 1550 nm. CW damage threshold values typically scale directly with the wavelength of the laser source, so this yields an adjusted LIDT value:
The adjusted LIDT value of 350 W/cm x (1319 nm / 1550 nm) = 298 W/cm is significantly higher than the calculated maximum linear power density of the laser system, so it would be safe to use this doublet lens for this application.
Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Pulse Durations
Suppose that a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system is frequency tripled to produce a 10 Hz output, consisting of 2 ns output pulses at 355 nm, each with 1 J of energy, in a Gaussian beam with a 1.9 cm beam diameter (1/e2). The average energy density of each pulse is found by dividing the pulse energy by the beam area:
As described above, the maximum energy density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the average energy density. So, the maximum energy density of this beam is ~0.7 J/cm2.
The energy density of the beam can be compared to the LIDT values of 1 J/cm2 and 3.5 J/cm2 for a BB1-E01 broadband dielectric mirror and an NB1-K08 Nd:YAG laser line mirror, respectively. Both of these LIDT values, while measured at 355 nm, were determined with a 10 ns pulsed laser at 10 Hz. Therefore, an adjustment must be applied for the shorter pulse duration of the system under consideration. As described on the previous tab, LIDT values in the nanosecond pulse regime scale with the square root of the laser pulse duration:
This adjustment factor results in LIDT values of 0.45 J/cm2 for the BB1-E01 broadband mirror and 1.6 J/cm2 for the Nd:YAG laser line mirror, which are to be compared with the 0.7 J/cm2 maximum energy density of the beam. While the broadband mirror would likely be damaged by the laser, the more specialized laser line mirror is appropriate for use with this system.
Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Wavelengths
Suppose that a pulsed laser system emits 10 ns pulses at 2.5 Hz, each with 100 mJ of energy at 1064 nm in a 16 mm diameter beam (1/e2) that must be attenuated with a neutral density filter. For a Gaussian output, these specifications result in a maximum energy density of 0.1 J/cm2. The damage threshold of an NDUV10A Ø25 mm, OD 1.0, reflective neutral density filter is 0.05 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 355 nm, while the damage threshold of the similar NE10A absorptive filter is 10 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 532 nm. As described on the previous tab, the LIDT value of an optic scales with the square root of the wavelength in the nanosecond pulse regime:
This scaling gives adjusted LIDT values of 0.08 J/cm2 for the reflective filter and 14 J/cm2 for the absorptive filter. In this case, the absorptive filter is the best choice in order to avoid optical damage.
Pulsed Microsecond Laser Example
Consider a laser system that produces 1 µs pulses, each containing 150 µJ of energy at a repetition rate of 50 kHz, resulting in a relatively high duty cycle of 5%. This system falls somewhere between the regimes of CW and pulsed laser induced damage, and could potentially damage an optic by mechanisms associated with either regime. As a result, both CW and pulsed LIDT values must be compared to the properties of the laser system to ensure safe operation.
If this relatively long-pulse laser emits a Gaussian 12.7 mm diameter beam (1/e2) at 980 nm, then the resulting output has a linear power density of 5.9 W/cm and an energy density of 1.2 x 10-4 J/cm2 per pulse. This can be compared to the LIDT values for a WPQ10E-980 polymer zero-order quarter-wave plate, which are 5 W/cm for CW radiation at 810 nm and 5 J/cm2 for a 10 ns pulse at 810 nm. As before, the CW LIDT of the optic scales linearly with the laser wavelength, resulting in an adjusted CW value of 6 W/cm at 980 nm. On the other hand, the pulsed LIDT scales with the square root of the laser wavelength and the square root of the pulse duration, resulting in an adjusted value of 55 J/cm2 for a 1 µs pulse at 980 nm. The pulsed LIDT of the optic is significantly greater than the energy density of the laser pulse, so individual pulses will not damage the wave plate. However, the large average linear power density of the laser system may cause thermal damage to the optic, much like a high-power CW beam.
Thorlabs offers a wide selection of optics optimized for use with Nd:YAG lasers. Please see below for more information.
Beamsplitter Selection Guide
Thorlabs' portfolio contains many different kinds of beamsplitters, which can split beams by intensity or by polarization. We offer plate and cube beamsplitters, though other form factors exist, including pellicle and birefringent crystal. For an overview of the different types and a comparison of their features and applications, please see our overview. Many of our beamsplitters come in premounted or unmounted variants. Below is a complete listing of our beamsplitter offerings. To explore the available types, wavelength ranges, splitting/extinction ratios, transmission, and available sizes for each beamsplitter category, click More [+] in the appropriate row below.Plate Beamsplitters
Non-Polarizing Plate Beamsplitters |
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Polarizing Plate Beamsplitters |
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Cube Beamsplitters
Non-Polarizing Cube Beamsplitters |
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Polarizing Cube and Polyhedron Beamsplitters |
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Pellicle Beamsplitters
Non-Polarizing Pellicle Beamsplitters |
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Crystal Beamsplitters
Polarizing Crystal Beamsplitters |
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Other
Other Beamsplitters |
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Polarizer Selection Guide
Thorlabs offers a diverse range of polarizers, including wire grid, film, calcite, alpha-BBO, rutile, and beamsplitting polarizers. Collectively, our line of wire grid polarizers offers coverage from the visible range to the beginning of the Far-IR range. Our nanoparticle linear film polarizers provide extinction ratios as high as 100 000:1. Alternatively, our other film polarizers offer an affordable solution for polarizing light from the visible to the Near-IR. Next, our beamsplitting polarizers allow for use of the reflected beam, as well as the more completely polarized transmitted beam. Finally, our alpha-BBO (UV), calcite (visible to Near-IR), rutile (Near-IR to Mid-IR), and yttrium orthovanadate (YVO4) (Near-IR to Mid-IR) polarizers each offer an exceptional extinction ratio of 100 000:1 within their respective wavelength ranges.
To explore the available types, wavelength ranges, extinction ratios, transmission, and available sizes for each polarizer category, click More [+] in the appropriate row below.
Wire Grid Polarizers |
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Film Polarizers |
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Beamsplitting Polarizers |
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alpha-BBO Polarizers |
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Calcite Polarizers |
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Quartz Polarizers |
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Magnesium Fluoride Polarizers |
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Yttrium Orthovanadate (YVO4) Polarizers |
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Rutile Polarizers |
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Posted Comments: | |
YUXIANG SUN
 (posted 2021-09-28 12:34:10.29) Hi, I'm using this PBS together with a half-wave plate as an attenuator to measure the M2 of a high power laser. The laser was linear-polarized and almost Gaussian. However, the beam spot transmitted through the PBS is obviously elliptical when the overall extinction ratio is high. I'm wondering about the possible reason for that. Many thanks. YLohia
 (posted 2021-10-11 02:51:06.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. It's quite likely that the half-waveplate is not exactly at normal incidence to your input beam (or your source wavelength is not the same as the design wavelength of the waveplate), which can cause the retardance to not be 0.5 wave. This would make the polarization state elliptical. Mike -
 (posted 2021-09-06 10:03:47.48) I would it be possible to tilt the polarization beam splitter in order to shift the intended wavelength? I have I wave length off 1030 nm, could it be reached with the 1064 version? azandani
 (posted 2021-09-28 10:23:32.0) Hello Mike, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Changing the AOI will change the center wavelength of the coating, the extinction ratio, as well as the transmission percentage. That being said, the transmission of CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP/M at 1030nm is typically around ~95% for P-polarized light and ~0% for S-polarized light according to this graph: (https://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/1064nm_HP_PBSCubes_Transmission_780.gif). David Vojna
 (posted 2020-05-06 09:35:09.553) Dear Sir/Madam
I am wondering about the CW damage threshold of the CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP polarizer in [W/cm], which I am missing on you Damage Thresholds tab. The laser I wish to operate here is a CW, 1 kW average power, 5 mm diameter, Gaussian beam at 1070 nm wavelength. I would like to know whether it is safe.
Many thanks
Best
David Vojna YLohia
 (posted 2020-05-06 11:50:29.0) Hello David, as mentioned in our previous response to your question posted on 2019-08-29, we expect the CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP/M to be able to withstand your 1 kW, 1070 nm, 5mm diameter beam. Unfortunately, we have not yet performed quantitative damage threshold testing for CW beams at your wavelength. user
 (posted 2020-04-07 08:00:55.013) Hi!
What is the angular tolerance of the poalrizers? How divergent my beam can be?
Thanks! YLohia
 (posted 2020-04-08 10:14:01.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We expect the performance of the CCM1-PBS25-780-HP to be within spec for AOIs around -2 to +2 degrees, in terms of both transmission and extinction ratio. David Vojna
 (posted 2019-08-29 07:12:52.06) Dear Sir/Madam
I am wondering, what is the CW damage threshold for the CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP/M polarizer? Only the pulsed limitations are listed.
We would like to use it up to 1kW @ 1070 nm, Gaussian beam profile with 5 mm diameter. In case this polarizer would not be appropriate, do you have any other polarizers to recommend?
Many thanks
Best
David Vojna YLohia
 (posted 2019-08-29 10:01:45.0) Hello David, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We expect the CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP/M to be able to withstand your 1 kW, 1070 nm, 5mm diameter beam based on what we have seen. k.g.p.folkersma
 (posted 2013-02-12 08:33:53.147) Is there a known damage threshold for CW lasers for the 1064nm version? I'd like to use it in a 30-60W CW (near gaussian) beam with a diameter of ~2-4mm. cdaly
 (posted 2013-02-20 15:45:00.0) Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our web feedback. We anticipate these will be able to handle at least 70W/cm. So for your beam diameters of 2-4 mm, this is going to mean a power handling of 14-28 W respectively. 30-60 is just about twice what we can recommend. s-victori
 (posted 2013-01-22 05:12:50.15) CMI-PBS25-532-HP:
I know it is designed for normal incidence but
what is the accepted incidence angle ? +/-7° is still OK ?
Regards, |
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Specifications | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beamsplitter | |||||
Extinction Ratioa | Tp:Ts > 2000:1 | ||||
Surface Quality | 20-10 Scratch-Dig | ||||
Surface Flatness | <λ/4 at 633 nm (Peak to Valley) | ||||
AR Coating Reflectanceb (0° AOI) | Rabs < 0.25% | ||||
Transmission Efficiency | Tp > 95% | ||||
Reflection Efficiency | Rs > 99.5% | ||||
Material | UV Fused Silicac | ||||
Assembly | |||||
Transmitted Beam Deviation | ±5 arcmin | ||||
Reflected Beam Deviation | 90° ± 20 arcmin | ||||
Outer Dimensions | 1.50" x 1.50" x 1.50" (38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 38.1 mm) |
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Clear Aperture | >Ø20.3 mm | ||||
Cage Cube Material | Anodized Aluminum | ||||
Mounting Hole | Imperial: 8-32 Tapped Hole Metric: M4 Tapped Hole |
- Design Wavelengths: 355 nm, 405 nm, 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, or
1064 nm - Antireflective (AR) Coatings Rabs < 0.25% @ 0° AOI
- Extinction Ratio of Tp:Ts > 2000:1
Thorlabs' High-Power Polarizing Beamsplitters are constructed with a 1" high-power, laser line, polarizing beamsplitter cubes mounted in a 30 mm cage cube. These cubes separate the s- and p-polarized components by reflecting the S-component at the dielectric beamsplitter coating, while allowing the P-component to pass.
The polarization extinction ratio for these cubes, Tp:Ts > 2000:1, is specified for the transmitted beam. These beamsplitter cubes faces' are coated with an AR coating giving Rabs < 0.25% per surface at the design wavelength. The clear aperture for this optic is Ø20.3 mm.
Damage Thresholds | |||
---|---|---|---|
Item # | Design Wavelength |
Unmounted Cube Item # |
Damage Threshold |
CCM1-PBS25-355-HP(/M) | 355 nm | PBS25-355-HP | 3 J/cm2 (355 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.299 mm) |
CCM1-PBS25-405-HP(/M) | 405 nm | PBS25-405-HP | 70 W/cm (405 nm, CW, Ø30 µm)a |
CCM1-PBS25-532-HP(/M) | 532 nm | PBS25-532-HP | >10 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.43 mm) 350 W/cm (532 nm, CW, Ø1 mm) |
CCM1-PBS25-633-HP(/M) | 633 nm | PBS25-633-HP | - |
CCM1-PBS25-780-HP(/M) | 780 nm | PBS25-780-HP | >10 J/cm2 (810 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.062 mm) |
CCM1-PBS25-1064-HP(/M) | 1064 nm | PBS25-1064-HP | >10 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø1.00 mm) 3000 W/cm (1064 nm, CW, Ø30 µm) |
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A C4W and C6W Cage Cube connected to a 1.5" wide CCM1-4ER Compact Cage Cube using the C4W-CC and CM1-CC Cube Connectors, respectively.
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CM1-CC Connecting Multiple 1.5" Wide Cage Cubes
- Connect Two 1.5" Wide Cage Cubes Side by Side
- Connect a 1.5" Wide Cage Cube to a 2" Wide Cage Cube
- Compatible with CM1 or CCM1 Series Cage Cubes
The CM1-CC cage cube connector allows two or more CM1 or CCM1 style cubes to be connected as shown in the image to the right. The CM1 and CCM1 series of cage cubes, which are all compatible with this connector, include empty cubes, empty dichroic cubes, mounted beamsplitters, mounted penta prisms, and mounted turning mirrors. The CM1-CC cage cube connector includes four 4-40 button-head screws, two 4-40 flat-head screws, four washers, and a 1/16" hex key.
Two cage cube-mounted turning mirrors cannot be connected using the CM1-CC due to a lack of Ø6 mm cage rod holes on two sides of the cube.
We also offer the C4W-CC to connect two 2" wide 30 mm cage cubes. Both C4W-CC and CM1-CC cage cube connectors can be used to connect one 1.5" wide 30 mm cage cube, such as our CCM1-4ER(/M), with a 2" wide 30 mm cage cube.
Alignment Pins
Please note that because dowel alignment pins are used, the connector requires drilled holes on the cube face between the SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) ports. If you have an older cube and would like it updated to have alignment holes for free, please contact Technical Support. Alternatively, the alignment pins are press-fit inside their mounting holes, and can be pressed out for use with cubes that do not have these alignment holes.