This optically contacted beam splitter provides the greatest angular deviation between the two output beams, and is most commonly used as a polarization analyser. In the first prism both ordinary and extraordinary beams travel collinearly with different refractive indices. At the interface the beams are interchanged, so that the ordinary beam enters a medium of higher refractive index and is refracted towards the normal. The extraordinary beam experiences a lower refractive index and is refracted away from the normal. The divergence angle between them is then further increased at the exit surface.

Standard Wollaston

Standard magnesium fluoride Wollastons are manufactured as optically contacted components from synthetic crystal with a cut angle of 45°, giving a low wavelength cut-off of 120nm.

Separation Angle

The separation angle can be varied to suit customer requirements by changing the cut angle.

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: