Splitting a light beam into opposite circular polarizations?

AI Thread Summary
It is possible to split a single light beam into two beams of opposite circular polarization using specific optical devices. A calcite crystal can separate unpolarized light into vertically and horizontally polarized beams, but a device that specifically splits unpolarized light into right and left circularly polarized beams is sought. Theoretical methods suggest using a normal beam splitter in conjunction with two quarter-wave plates to achieve this. However, the discussion raises the question of whether such a device currently exists for purchase. The feasibility of creating such a device remains a topic of inquiry.
jimgraber
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Is it possible to split a single light beam into two beams of opposite circular polarization?
A properly oriented calcite crystal will separate a unpolarized beam into two beams, one vertically polarized and one horizontally polarized. Other polarizers pass just one polarization and absorb the perpendicular one.
Is there a device that splits an unpolarized light beam into a right circulaly polarized one and a left circularly polarized one, instead of just absorbing one or the other?
(If so, please tell me where I can buy one.)
If not, is this theoretically impossible?
 
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You'd make one with a normal beam splitter and two quarter-wave plates.
 
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