Polarization Beamsplitter Cubes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of elliptically polarized light when passing through a polarization beamsplitter (PBS) cube. When the PBS is oriented with the polarization parallel to its coating, it reflects the vertical component of the light while transmitting the horizontal component. For an elliptically polarized beam aligned with the PBS, the reflected beam represents the projection of the ellipse onto the axis parallel to the cement, resulting in distinct reflection directions for the vertical and horizontal components. This understanding is crucial for applications involving polarization optics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear and elliptical polarization
  • Familiarity with polarization beamsplitter cubes (PBS)
  • Basic knowledge of light reflection and transmission principles
  • Concept of phase shifts in wave optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of polarization optics in detail
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of elliptical polarization
  • Explore the applications of polarization beamsplitters in optical systems
  • Investigate the effects of phase shifts on light behavior in optical devices
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, physicists, and anyone working with laser systems and polarization optics will benefit from this discussion.

Niles
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Hi

Say I have a laser beam, which is linearly polarized. Now I let it pass through a polarization beamsplitter cube (PBS). If I orient the PBS such that the polarization of light is "parallel" to the coating/cement (nicely illustrated here: http://www.thorlabs.com/images/TabImages/BS_PolarizedCube2.gif), I get 100% reflection (the red beam).

Say my beam is elliptically polarized instead with the long axis parallel to the cement. Is it correct that the reflected beam is merely the projection of the ellipse onto the axis parallel to the cement?

Help is greatly appreciated. I have thought about this for some time, and I can't figure it out. Hecht's "Optics" doesn't explain it either.

Best wishes,
Niles.
 
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Yes.
You may treat elliptically polarized beam as a linear combination of vertical and horizontal waves, shifted in phase by 90^\circ. The vertical part will be reflected in one direction, the horizontal one in another in your cube.
 

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