Beam Splitters & Dichroic Prisms: The Ultimate Guide to Precision Light Management

Introduction: Why Beam Splitting Optics Matter

From hyperspectral imaging to laser systems, beam splitter prisms enable precise light control by:

✔ Dividing light into multiple paths (50/50, 70/30, or custom ratios)

✔ Separating wavelengths (dichroic filters for RGB/IR/UV)

✔ Minimizing energy loss (<0.5% absorption in premium coatings)

At Changchun Positive Optics, we engineer custom beam splitters for LiDAR, biomedical optics, and machine vision with <λ/10 surface accuracy.

Types of Beam Splitters & How They Work

1. Plate Beam Splitters

- Thin, coated glass for compact systems

- Polarizing/non-polarizing options

- Applications: Interferometry, projection systems

2. Cube Beam Splitters

- Durable cemented prism design

- Precise 45° beam deviation

- Best for: Laser combiners, fluorescence microscopy

3. Dichroic Prisms (RGB/IR/UV Splitters)

- Multi-band wavelength separation

- Sharp cut-on/off edges (Δλ <10nm)

- Key uses: 3CCD cameras, spectral sensors

4. Pellicle Beam Splitters

- Ultra-thin (<5μm) nitrocellulose film

- Virtually zero ghosting

- Ideal for: High-power laser systems

5. Critical Specifications for Your Application

| Parameter | Performance Range | Impact on Design |

| Splitting Ratio | 10:90 to 50:50 (customizable) | Defines light distribution |

| Wavelength Range | 250nm-2500nm (UV-VIS-NIR) | Material/coating selection |

| Surface Flatness | λ/10 to λ/2 | Affects wavefront distortion |

| Coating Damage Threshold | 5J/cm² @1064nm, 10ns | Critical for laser systems |

| Polarization Sensitivity | <5% variation (non-polarizing) | Needed for precision optics |

🔬 Pro Tip: For low-autofluorescence applications, ask about our fused silica prisms with ultra-clean coatings.

Industry Applications Driving Demand

1. LiDAR & Autonomous Vehicles

- Polarizing beam splitters enhance signal-to-noise ratio

- NIR dichroics (905nm/1550nm) separate emitter/detector paths

2. Medical Imaging

- Trichroic prisms enable precise RGB separation in endoscopes

- UV/VIS splitters for flow cytometry

3. Aerospace & Defense

- SWaP-optimized cube splitters for drone EO/IR systems

- Conformal coatings for vibration/shock resistance

4. Industrial Lasers

- Harmonic separators (1064nm/532nm/355nm)

- Beam combiners for multi-wavelength processing

Why Engineers Choose Our Beam Splitters

✅ Custom Optical Designs – Specify splitting ratio, wavelength bands, and mechanical tolerances

✅ Advanced Coating Technology – Ion-assisted deposition for <0.2% absorption losses

✅ Rapid Prototyping – 15-day lead time for most prism designs

✅ Certified Reliability – MIL-PRF-13830 compliant, humidity/thermal cycling tested

Case Study: Boosting Hyperspectral Camera Efficiency

A satellite imaging company needed a 400-1000nm dichroic prism to simultaneously capture VIS/NIR spectra.

Our Solution:

- 35-layer Ta₂O₅/SiO₂ coating

- R<0.5% @400-700nm | T>90% @700-1000nm

- λ/8 surface flatness

Result: 40% higher light throughput vs. competing prism designs.

FAQ: Expert Answers

Q: Can you make beam splitters for femtosecond lasers?

A: Yes! Our ultra-low GVD (group velocity dispersion) coatings minimize pulse broadening.

Q: What’s the difference between dielectric/metal coatings?

A: Dielectric offers higher damage thresholds & sharper edges; metal coatings provide broader bandwidth.

Q: MOQ for custom prisms?

A: Prototypes from 1pc, production batches 50+ units.

Need a Precision Beam Splitter?

📩 Contact our optical engineers today for:

✔ Free spectral simulation

✔ Material selection guidance

✔ OEM/volume pricing

🔗www.pooptics.com