Variable Polarization Beamsplitter Kits

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These beamsplitter kits are shipped with their polarizing beamsplitters and half-wave plates packaged seperately.

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The polarizing beamsplitters are mounted on a kinematic base with tip, tilt, and fine rotation adjustment screws.

Features

• Power is Fiber Limited to 10 W (CW, Typical)
• Constructed Using FiberBench Accessories
• Continuously Variable Split Ratio
• Useful as a Variable 1 x 2 Coupler
• Compatible with FC/PC and FC/APC Patch Cables
• Extinction Ratio
• T_p:T_s > 1000:1
• R_s > 99.5%
• 700 - 1000 nm or 1200 - 1600 nm Operating Range
• Please Contact Tech Support for Other Wavelengths or Custom-Aligned Kits

These Variable Polarization Beamsplitter Kits are based on Thorlabs' FT-51X60 Multi-Axis FiberBench. A PM fiber can be attached to the input FiberPort, which collimates the output. The FiberPorts included with these kits have wide key slots. The polarization of this beam is then rotated with a half-wave plate. By changing the orientation of the wave plate, the ratio of the vertical to horizontal State of Polarization (SOP) is changed, which then affects how much signal is transmitted and reflected through the polarizing beamsplitter cube.

These beamsplitters have extinction ratios of >1000:1 (T_P:T_S). The average p-component transmission is >90% while the average s-component reflectance is >99.5% for each beamsplitter. Please see the Graphs tab for more information. The split ratio is continuously variable from 0 to 30 dB and is dependent on the polarization extinction ratio from the input PM fiber and the spectral line width when Δλ ≤ 3 nm.

Assembly
These kits include all the hardware needed for assembly and adjustment. To assemble, insert the dowel pins of the half-wave plate and beamsplitter module into the desired slots on the FiberBench; lock their positions using the 2-56 set screws and 0.9 mm hex key. The beamsplitter cube can be aligned using four 0.050" hex adjustment screws, which can then be locked in place using their locking collars and the included SPW403 spanner wrench. The X, Y, and Zθ adjusters for each FiberPort also accept the 0.050" hex key. The sensitivity of the X and Y adjusters can be varied using the two holes located on the faceplate of the FiberPorts and the 0.028" hex key. The orientation of each FiberPort may be locked using the included 0-80 locking screws and the 0.050" hex key. Care must be taken when locking the FiberPort to avoid misalignment or damage. In most cases locking is not required. Please reference the FiberPort Manual for instructions. The rotation of the half-wave plate may be locked using the screw located at the top of the wave plate and the 0.050" hex key.

PFS-FFT-1X2-780 FiberBench Variable Polarization Beamsplitter Kit, 700 - 1000 nm

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The performance is limited by the beamsplitter coating. The faces of the PBS052 Beamsplitter Cube are AR coated over the 620 - 1000 nm wavelength range to increase transmission.

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The blue shaded region denotes the operating wavelength of the
PFS-FFT-1X2-780 polarization beamsplitter kit.

PFS-FFT-1X2-1550 FiberBench Variable Polarization Beamsplitter Kit, 1200 - 1600 nm

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The performance is limited by the beamsplitter coating. The faces of the PBS054 Beamsplitter Cube are AR coated over the 1200 - 1600 nm wavelength range to increase transmission.

Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data
The blue shaded region denotes the operating wavelength of the
PFS-FFT-1X2-1550 polarization beamsplitter kit.