The Rochon polarizing beam splitter is one of the earliest designs. Both ordinary and extraordinary beams propagate collinearly down the optic axis in the first prism under the ordinary refractive index. Upon entering the second prism the ordinary beam experiences the same refractive index and continues undeviated. The extra-ordinary beam, however, now has a lower refractive index and is refracted at the interface. The angle of refraction is further increased at the calcite/air exit surface.

Separation Angle

Standard Rochons are manufactured with a cut angle of 45°, producing a separation of 10° at 500nm. The separation angle can be varied to suit customer requirements by changing the cut angle. Since both ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices vary with wavelength, it follows that the separation will also change similarly.

Mounts

These polarizers are supplied unmounted as free components unless mounting is specified at the time of ordering. The mount design is in the form of a simple tube with silicone rubber, giving access to the input and output beams. To specify mounted polarizers, simply add suffix: