Variable Attenuator/Beamsplitters
  • Preserves beam characteristics
  • Minimum angular deviation
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Low insertion loss
  • High damage threshold
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DescriptionSpecifications Models Catalog PDF

Our variable attenuator/beamsplitter splits an incident polarized beam into two beams whose intensity ratio may be continuously varied without alteration of other beam parameters. This high-performance unit can be used as a beamsplitter in holography and precision interferometry applications and as an efficient attenuator for general laboratory applications. Attenuation up to 27 dB is provided with sub-arc min beam deviation variation throughout the attenuation range. In contrast to lossy metallic beamsplitters, the 930 has all-dielectric coatings with negligible absorption loss. The phase relationship between the two transmitted beams remains constant as required for a stationary interference pattern.

How does it work?

The 930 variable attenuator/beamsplitter incorporates a high-performance polarizing cube beamsplitter which reflects s-polarized light 90° while transmitting p-polarized light. A rotating quartz λ/2 wave plate is placed in the incident polarized laser beam. The function of the wave plate is to control the input beam polarization incident on the beamsplitter so that the intensity of either exit beam, and the intensity ratio, can be controlled over a wide dynamic range. Pure p-polarization could be selected for maximum transmission, or pure s-polarization for maximum attenuation of the transmitted beam. The attenuation adjustment knob rotates the λ/2 wave plate, which in turn rotates the polarization vector of the beam incident on the cube beamsplitter. Except in 930AB models, another λ/2 wave plate rotates the polarization vector of the transmitted beam to match that of the reflected beam.



Attention Holographers

Fringe stability is key to making clear bright holograms. If the beamsplitter is lossy, local heating will cause a phase shift between the two exit beams resulting in fringe motion in the film plane. Low angular beam deviation is also critical; avoiding the need for additional compensation adjustments to eliminate spurious fringes; which could appear in the process of optimizing the contrast of real-time interference fringes. Low loss and low beam deviation make these variable attenuator/beamsplitters ideal for holographic applications.