Laser Line Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes in 30 mm Cage Cubes


  • Reflects S-Polarization by 90°
  • Extinction Ratio: Tp:Ts > 3000:1
  • Six Laser Line Wavelengths Available
  • SM1 and 30 mm Cage System Compatible

CCM1-PBS25-532

532 nm

CCM1-PBS25-780

780 nm

CCM1-PBS25-1550

1550 nm

Application Idea

CCM1-PBS25-1064 Beamsplitter Cube Connected in a Cage System using Four ERSCB Adapters

Related Items


Please Wait
Mounted Beamsplitter Cube
Cube Beamsplitter Diagram
(Coating and Cement Layer Not to Scale)
Optic Cleaning Tutorial

Features

  • 1" Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes Mounted in SM1-Compatible Cage Cubes
  • Six Laser Line Wavelengths Available: 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, 980 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm
  • Extinction Ratio: TP:TS > 3000:1
  • AR Coated for Rabs < 0.25% @ 0° AOI 
  • Housing Engraved with Item # and Diagram of Light Path
  • Connect Two Cage Cubes Side by Side with the CM1-CC Cage Cube Connector

Thorlabs' Cage-Cube-Mounted, Laser Line, Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes are offered with six different AR coatings for popular laser line wavelengths: 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, 980 nm, 1064 nm, or 1550 nm. These cubes separate the s- and p-polarized components of a beam by reflecting the s-polarized component at the dielectric beamsplitter coating while allowing the p-polarized component to pass. For the highest polarization extinction ratio, use the transmitted beam, which offers an extinction ratio of TP:TS > 3000:1.

These 1" beamsplitter cubes are made from two UV fused silica glass prisms. A dielectric beamsplitter coating is deposited on the hypotenuse of one of the two prisms that make up the cube. Then, optical cement is used to bind the two prism halves together. The AR coating is deposited on all sides of the cube excluding the top and bottom. 

Light can be input into any of the polished faces to separate the s- and p-polarized components. One possible orientation is engraved on the top of the cage cube (refer to the diagram to the right).

Cage System Compatibility
Each cube is mounted inside a 30 mm cage cube for compatibility with our 30 mm cage systems and SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) lens tubes. A bottom-located 8-32 (M4) tap is included for post mounting. Multiple 30 mm cage cubes can be connected together using 30 mm cage rods and four ERSCB adapters, as shown in the image at the top of the page. Additionally, these mounted beamsplitter cubes can be connected side-by-side to other cage cubes with our CM1-CC cage connector.

Other Cage Cube Options
Each beamsplitter cube is epoxied within the cage cube mount and cannot be removed. However, empty 30 mm cage cubes which are compatible with our line of unmounted polarizing beamsplitter cubes are available. For a complete selection of our cube-mounted optics, please see the Mounted Optics Guide tab.

For applications requiring a higher damage threshold, we also offer high-power polarizing beamsplitter cubes at select wavelengths. If a wider wavelength range is desired, please consider our broadband polarizing beamsplitter cubes

The graphs below give the transmission curves for each laser line polarizing beamsplitter cube. The dashed line on each graph indicates the design wavelength of the cube.

Laser Line Transmission
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Laser Line Transmission
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Laser Line Transmission
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Laser Line Transmission
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Laser Line Transmission
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Laser Line Transmission
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30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Optics Selection Guide

The table below provides links to all of our 30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted optics. For our selection of 16 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Optics, please see our 16 mm Cage Systems guide.

Non-Polarizing BeamsplittersPolarizing BeamsplittersHigh Power Polarizing Beamsplitters
Non-Polarizing Beamsplitter CubePolarizing Beamsplitter CubeHigh-Power Polarizing Beamsplitter Cube
Pellicle BeamsplitterLaser Line Polarizing BeamsplittersCircular Polarizer
Pellicle BeamsplittersLaser Line Polarizing Beamsplitter CubeCircular / Variable Polarizers
Penta PrismsTurning MirrorsVariable Beamsplitters/Attenuators
Penta PrismsTurning MirrorsVariable Beamsplitters / Attenuators

30 mm Cage Cube Empty Optic Mounts Selection Guide

Dichroic Mirror HolderEmpty Compact Cage Cube
Rectangular Dichroic Mirrors and FiltersEmpty Compact 30 mm Cage Cube
Damage Threshold Specifications
Design Wavelength
(Item # Suffix)
Damage Threshold
532 nm (-532) CWa 100 W/cm (532 nm, Ø1.000 mm)
Pulsed 2 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.470 mm)
1064 nm (-1064) CWa 1.5 kW/cm (1070 nm, Ø1.012 mm)
Pulsed 2 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.517 mm)
1550 nm (-1550) CWa 1.5 kW/cm (1540 nm, Ø0.087 mm)
  • The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of W/cm. For an explanation of why the linear power density provides the best metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see below.

Damage Threshold Data for Thorlabs' Laser Line Polarizing Beamsplitter Cubes in 30 mm Cage Cubes

The specifications to the right are measured data for a selection of Thorlabs' laser line polarizing cube beamsplitters.

 

Laser Induced Damage Threshold Tutorial

The following is a general overview of how laser induced damage thresholds are measured and how the values may be utilized in determining the appropriateness of an optic for a given application. When choosing optics, it is important to understand the Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) of the optics being used. The LIDT for an optic greatly depends on the type of laser you are using. Continuous wave (CW) lasers typically cause damage from thermal effects (absorption either in the coating or in the substrate). Pulsed lasers, on the other hand, often strip electrons from the lattice structure of an optic before causing thermal damage. Note that the guideline presented here assumes room temperature operation and optics in new condition (i.e., within scratch-dig spec, surface free of contamination, etc.). Because dust or other particles on the surface of an optic can cause damage at lower thresholds, we recommend keeping surfaces clean and free of debris. For more information on cleaning optics, please see our Optics Cleaning tutorial.

Testing Method

Thorlabs' LIDT testing is done in compliance with ISO/DIS 11254 and ISO 21254 specifications.

First, a low-power/energy beam is directed to the optic under test. The optic is exposed in 10 locations to this laser beam for 30 seconds (CW) or for a number of pulses (pulse repetition frequency specified). After exposure, the optic is examined by a microscope (~100X magnification) for any visible damage. The number of locations that are damaged at a particular power/energy level is recorded. Next, the power/energy is either increased or decreased and the optic is exposed at 10 new locations. This process is repeated until damage is observed. The damage threshold is then assigned to be the highest power/energy that the optic can withstand without causing damage. A histogram such as that below represents the testing of one BB1-E02 mirror.

LIDT metallic mirror
The photograph above is a protected aluminum-coated mirror after LIDT testing. In this particular test, it handled 0.43 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø1.000 mm) before damage.
LIDT BB1-E02
Example Test Data
Fluence # of Tested Locations Locations with Damage Locations Without Damage
1.50 J/cm2 10 0 10
1.75 J/cm2 10 0 10
2.00 J/cm2 10 0 10
2.25 J/cm2 10 1 9
3.00 J/cm2 10 1 9
5.00 J/cm2 10 9 1

According to the test, the damage threshold of the mirror was 2.00 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.803 mm). Please keep in mind that these tests are performed on clean optics, as dirt and contamination can significantly lower the damage threshold of a component. While the test results are only representative of one coating run, Thorlabs specifies damage threshold values that account for coating variances.

Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers

When an optic is damaged by a continuous wave (CW) laser, it is usually due to the melting of the surface as a result of absorbing the laser's energy or damage to the optical coating (antireflection) [1]. Pulsed lasers with pulse lengths longer than 1 µs can be treated as CW lasers for LIDT discussions.

When pulse lengths are between 1 ns and 1 µs, laser-induced damage can occur either because of absorption or a dielectric breakdown (therefore, a user must check both CW and pulsed LIDT). Absorption is either due to an intrinsic property of the optic or due to surface irregularities; thus LIDT values are only valid for optics meeting or exceeding the surface quality specifications given by a manufacturer. While many optics can handle high power CW lasers, cemented (e.g., achromatic doublets) or highly absorptive (e.g., ND filters) optics tend to have lower CW damage thresholds. These lower thresholds are due to absorption or scattering in the cement or metal coating.

Linear Power Density Scaling

LIDT in linear power density vs. pulse length and spot size. For long pulses to CW, linear power density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].

Intensity Distribution

Pulsed lasers with high pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) may behave similarly to CW beams. Unfortunately, this is highly dependent on factors such as absorption and thermal diffusivity, so there is no reliable method for determining when a high PRF laser will damage an optic due to thermal effects. For beams with a high PRF both the average and peak powers must be compared to the equivalent CW power. Additionally, for highly transparent materials, there is little to no drop in the LIDT with increasing PRF.

In order to use the specified CW damage threshold of an optic, it is necessary to know the following:

  1. Wavelength of your laser
  2. Beam diameter of your beam (1/e2)
  3. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)
  4. Linear power density of your beam (total power divided by 1/e2 beam diameter)

Thorlabs expresses LIDT for CW lasers as a linear power density measured in W/cm. In this regime, the LIDT given as a linear power density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size, as demonstrated by the graph to the right. Average linear power density can be calculated using the equation below. 

The calculation above assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now consider hotspots in the beam or other non-uniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum power density. For reference, a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum power density that is twice that of the uniform beam (see lower right).

Now compare the maximum power density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has a linear relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 10 W/cm at 1310 nm scales to 5 W/cm at 655 nm):

CW Wavelength Scaling

While this rule of thumb provides a general trend, it is not a quantitative analysis of LIDT vs wavelength. In CW applications, for instance, damage scales more strongly with absorption in the coating and substrate, which does not necessarily scale well with wavelength. While the above procedure provides a good rule of thumb for LIDT values, please contact Tech Support if your wavelength is different from the specified LIDT wavelength. If your power density is less than the adjusted LIDT of the optic, then the optic should work for your application. 

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. The damage analysis will be carried out on a similar optic (customer's optic will not be damaged). Testing may result in additional costs or lead times. Contact Tech Support for more information.

Pulsed Lasers

As previously stated, pulsed lasers typically induce a different type of damage to the optic than CW lasers. Pulsed lasers often do not heat the optic enough to damage it; instead, pulsed lasers produce strong electric fields capable of inducing dielectric breakdown in the material. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to compare the LIDT specification of an optic to your laser. There are multiple regimes in which a pulsed laser can damage an optic and this is based on the laser's pulse length. The highlighted columns in the table below outline the relevant pulse lengths for our specified LIDT values.

Pulses shorter than 10-9 s cannot be compared to our specified LIDT values with much reliability. In this ultra-short-pulse regime various mechanics, such as multiphoton-avalanche ionization, take over as the predominate damage mechanism [2]. In contrast, pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s may cause damage to an optic either because of dielectric breakdown or thermal effects. This means that both CW and pulsed damage thresholds must be compared to the laser beam to determine whether the optic is suitable for your application.

Pulse Duration t < 10-9 s 10-9 < t < 10-7 s 10-7 < t < 10-4 s t > 10-4 s
Damage Mechanism Avalanche Ionization Dielectric Breakdown Dielectric Breakdown or Thermal Thermal
Relevant Damage Specification No Comparison (See Above) Pulsed Pulsed and CW CW

When comparing an LIDT specified for a pulsed laser to your laser, it is essential to know the following:

Energy Density Scaling

LIDT in energy density vs. pulse length and spot size. For short pulses, energy density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].

  1. Wavelength of your laser
  2. Energy density of your beam (total energy divided by 1/e2 area)
  3. Pulse length of your laser
  4. Pulse repetition frequency (prf) of your laser
  5. Beam diameter of your laser (1/e2 )
  6. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)

The energy density of your beam should be calculated in terms of J/cm2. The graph to the right shows why expressing the LIDT as an energy density provides the best metric for short pulse sources. In this regime, the LIDT given as an energy density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size. This calculation assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now adjust this energy density to account for hotspots or other nonuniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum energy density. For reference a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum energy density that is twice that of the 1/e2 beam.

Now compare the maximum energy density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately [3]. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has an inverse square root relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 1 J/cm2 at 1064 nm scales to 0.7 J/cm2 at 532 nm):

Pulse Wavelength Scaling

You now have a wavelength-adjusted energy density, which you will use in the following step.

Beam diameter is also important to know when comparing damage thresholds. While the LIDT, when expressed in units of J/cm², scales independently of spot size; large beam sizes are more likely to illuminate a larger number of defects which can lead to greater variances in the LIDT [4]. For data presented here, a <1 mm beam size was used to measure the LIDT. For beams sizes greater than 5 mm, the LIDT (J/cm2) will not scale independently of beam diameter due to the larger size beam exposing more defects.

The pulse length must now be compensated for. The longer the pulse duration, the more energy the optic can handle. For pulse widths between 1 - 100 ns, an approximation is as follows:

Pulse Length Scaling

Use this formula to calculate the Adjusted LIDT for an optic based on your pulse length. If your maximum energy density is less than this adjusted LIDT maximum energy density, then the optic should be suitable for your application. Keep in mind that this calculation is only used for pulses between 10-9 s and 10-7 s. For pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s, the CW LIDT must also be checked before deeming the optic appropriate for your application.

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. Contact Tech Support for more information.


[1] R. M. Wood, Optics and Laser Tech. 29, 517 (1998).
[2] Roger M. Wood, Laser-Induced Damage of Optical Materials (Institute of Physics Publishing, Philadelphia, PA, 2003).
[3] C. W. Carr et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 127402 (2003).
[4] N. Bloembergen, Appl. Opt. 12, 661 (1973).

In order to illustrate the process of determining whether a given laser system will damage an optic, a number of example calculations of laser induced damage threshold are given below. For assistance with performing similar calculations, we provide a spreadsheet calculator that can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right. To use the calculator, enter the specified LIDT value of the optic under consideration and the relevant parameters of your laser system in the green boxes. The spreadsheet will then calculate a linear power density for CW and pulsed systems, as well as an energy density value for pulsed systems. These values are used to calculate adjusted, scaled LIDT values for the optics based on accepted scaling laws. This calculator assumes a Gaussian beam profile, so a correction factor must be introduced for other beam shapes (uniform, etc.). The LIDT scaling laws are determined from empirical relationships; their accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember that absorption by optics or coatings can significantly reduce LIDT in some spectral regions. These LIDT values are not valid for ultrashort pulses less than one nanosecond in duration.

Intensity Distribution
A Gaussian beam profile has about twice the maximum intensity of a uniform beam profile.

CW Laser Example
Suppose that a CW laser system at 1319 nm produces a 0.5 W Gaussian beam that has a 1/e2 diameter of 10 mm. A naive calculation of the average linear power density of this beam would yield a value of 0.5 W/cm, given by the total power divided by the beam diameter:

CW Wavelength Scaling

However, the maximum power density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the maximum power density of a uniform beam, as shown in the graph to the right. Therefore, a more accurate determination of the maximum linear power density of the system is 1 W/cm.

An AC127-030-C achromatic doublet lens has a specified CW LIDT of 350 W/cm, as tested at 1550 nm. CW damage threshold values typically scale directly with the wavelength of the laser source, so this yields an adjusted LIDT value:

CW Wavelength Scaling

The adjusted LIDT value of 350 W/cm x (1319 nm / 1550 nm) = 298 W/cm is significantly higher than the calculated maximum linear power density of the laser system, so it would be safe to use this doublet lens for this application.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Pulse Durations
Suppose that a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system is frequency tripled to produce a 10 Hz output, consisting of 2 ns output pulses at 355 nm, each with 1 J of energy, in a Gaussian beam with a 1.9 cm beam diameter (1/e2). The average energy density of each pulse is found by dividing the pulse energy by the beam area:

Pulse Energy Density

As described above, the maximum energy density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the average energy density. So, the maximum energy density of this beam is ~0.7 J/cm2.

The energy density of the beam can be compared to the LIDT values of 1 J/cm2 and 3.5 J/cm2 for a BB1-E01 broadband dielectric mirror and an NB1-K08 Nd:YAG laser line mirror, respectively. Both of these LIDT values, while measured at 355 nm, were determined with a 10 ns pulsed laser at 10 Hz. Therefore, an adjustment must be applied for the shorter pulse duration of the system under consideration. As described on the previous tab, LIDT values in the nanosecond pulse regime scale with the square root of the laser pulse duration:

Pulse Length Scaling

This adjustment factor results in LIDT values of 0.45 J/cm2 for the BB1-E01 broadband mirror and 1.6 J/cm2 for the Nd:YAG laser line mirror, which are to be compared with the 0.7 J/cm2 maximum energy density of the beam. While the broadband mirror would likely be damaged by the laser, the more specialized laser line mirror is appropriate for use with this system.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Wavelengths
Suppose that a pulsed laser system emits 10 ns pulses at 2.5 Hz, each with 100 mJ of energy at 1064 nm in a 16 mm diameter beam (1/e2) that must be attenuated with a neutral density filter. For a Gaussian output, these specifications result in a maximum energy density of 0.1 J/cm2. The damage threshold of an NDUV10A Ø25 mm, OD 1.0, reflective neutral density filter is 0.05 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 355 nm, while the damage threshold of the similar NE10A absorptive filter is 10 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 532 nm. As described on the previous tab, the LIDT value of an optic scales with the square root of the wavelength in the nanosecond pulse regime:

Pulse Wavelength Scaling

This scaling gives adjusted LIDT values of 0.08 J/cm2 for the reflective filter and 14 J/cm2 for the absorptive filter. In this case, the absorptive filter is the best choice in order to avoid optical damage.

Pulsed Microsecond Laser Example
Consider a laser system that produces 1 µs pulses, each containing 150 µJ of energy at a repetition rate of 50 kHz, resulting in a relatively high duty cycle of 5%. This system falls somewhere between the regimes of CW and pulsed laser induced damage, and could potentially damage an optic by mechanisms associated with either regime. As a result, both CW and pulsed LIDT values must be compared to the properties of the laser system to ensure safe operation.

If this relatively long-pulse laser emits a Gaussian 12.7 mm diameter beam (1/e2) at 980 nm, then the resulting output has a linear power density of 5.9 W/cm and an energy density of 1.2 x 10-4 J/cm2 per pulse. This can be compared to the LIDT values for a WPQ10E-980 polymer zero-order quarter-wave plate, which are 5 W/cm for CW radiation at 810 nm and 5 J/cm2 for a 10 ns pulse at 810 nm. As before, the CW LIDT of the optic scales linearly with the laser wavelength, resulting in an adjusted CW value of 6 W/cm at 980 nm. On the other hand, the pulsed LIDT scales with the square root of the laser wavelength and the square root of the pulse duration, resulting in an adjusted value of 55 J/cm2 for a 1 µs pulse at 980 nm. The pulsed LIDT of the optic is significantly greater than the energy density of the laser pulse, so individual pulses will not damage the wave plate. However, the large average linear power density of the laser system may cause thermal damage to the optic, much like a high-power CW beam.

Polarizer Selection Guide

Thorlabs offers a diverse range of polarizers, including wire grid, film, calcite, alpha-BBO, rutile, and beamsplitting polarizers. Collectively, our line of wire grid polarizers offers coverage from the visible range to the beginning of the Far-IR range. Our nanoparticle linear film polarizers provide extinction ratios as high as 100 000:1. Alternatively, our other film polarizers offer an affordable solution for polarizing light from the visible to the Near-IR. Next, our beamsplitting polarizers allow for use of the reflected beam, as well as the more completely polarized transmitted beam. Finally, our alpha-BBO (UV), calcite (visible to Near-IR), rutile (Near-IR to Mid-IR), and yttrium orthovanadate (YVO4) (Near-IR to Mid-IR) polarizers each offer an exceptional extinction ratio of 100 000:1 within their respective wavelength ranges.

To explore the available types, wavelength ranges, extinction ratios, transmission, and available sizes for each polarizer category, click More [+] in the appropriate row below.

Wire Grid Polarizers
Film Polarizers
Beamsplitting Polarizers
alpha-BBO Polarizers
Calcite Polarizers
Quartz Polarizers
Magnesium Fluoride Polarizers
Yttrium Orthovanadate (YVO4) Polarizers
Rutile Polarizers
  • Click on the graph icons in this column to view a transmission curve for the corresponding polarizer. Each curve represents one substrate sample or coating run and is not guaranteed.
  • Mounted in a protective box, unthreaded ring, or cylinder.
  • Available unmounted or in an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) mount that indicates the polarization axis.
  • Available unmounted or in an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) mount that indicates the polarization axis.
  • PBS519: Average TP:TS > 1000:1
  • Available unmounted or mounted in cubes for cage system compatibility.
  • Calcite's transmittance of light near 350 nm is typically around 75% (see Transmission column).
  • Available unmounted or in an unthreaded Ø1/2" housing.
  • The transmission curves for calcite are valid for linearly polarized light with a polarization axis aligned with the mark on the polarizer's housing.
  • The 1064 nm V coating corresponds to a -C26 suffix in the item number.
  • Available unmounted or mounted in a protective box or unthreaded cylinder that indicates the polarization axis.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2020-07-29 07:48:36.697)
Hi, you provide much information about your optics standard specifications, but couldn't find any datasheet for each when ordered. Could it be possible to have real specs (measured) for each PBS cube (Ts/Tp, extinction ratio)? Thank you,
nbayconich  (posted 2020-07-29 01:14:48.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We can provide transmission and reflection data for our optics upon request. I will reach out to you directly with more information regarding our testing capabilities.
melanie  (posted 2017-02-15 09:23:21.893)
Hi, On the overview tab for the broadband PBS, you state that "The reflected beam will only have an extinction ratio of roughly 20:1 to 100:1, depending on the beamsplitter". I cannot find the corresponding data for the laser line PBS. Please can you supply this information ? Thanks !
tfrisch  (posted 2017-02-17 08:24:23.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The laser-line cubes optimize the transmitted extinction ratio by maximizing the reflectance of the S state. This optimization does not maximize the transmission of the P state, so the reflected beam will still have significant S and P components, and the extinction ratio will be worse than the transmitted extinction ratio. I will reach out to you with more details.

Beamsplitter Selection Guide

Thorlabs' portfolio contains many different kinds of beamsplitters, which can split beams by intensity or by polarization. We offer plate and cube beamsplitters, though other form factors exist, including pellicle and birefringent crystal. For an overview of the different types and a comparison of their features and applications, please see our overview. Many of our beamsplitters come in premounted or unmounted variants. Below is a complete listing of our beamsplitter offerings. To explore the available types, wavelength ranges, splitting/extinction ratios, transmission, and available sizes for each beamsplitter category, click More [+] in the appropriate row below.

Plate Beamsplitters

Non-Polarizing Plate Beamsplitters
Polarizing Plate Beamsplitters
  • 45° AOI Unless Otherwise Noted
  • 30 arcmin Wedge on Round Optics Only
  • Designed for use with P-polarized light.

Cube Beamsplitters

Non-Polarizing Cube Beamsplitters
Polarizing Cube Beamsplitters

Pellicle Beamsplitters

Non-Polarizing Pellicle Beamsplitters

Crystal Beamsplitters

Polarizing Crystal Beamsplitters
  • Mounted in a protective box, unthreaded ring, or cylinder.
  • Available unmounted or mounted in a protective box or unthreaded cylinder.

Other

Other Beamsplitters
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Cube-Mounted Laser-Line Polarizing Beamsplitters

Specifications
Beamsplitter
Extinction Ratioa TP:TS > 3000:1
Surface Quality 40-20 Scratch-Dig
AR Coating Reflectanceb (@ 0°AOI) Rabs < 0.25%
Transmission Efficiencyc TP > 95%
Reflection Efficiencyc RS > 99.5%
Transmitted Wavefront Error <λ/4 at 633 nm over Ø20.32 mm
Material UV Fused Silicad
Assembly
Transmitted Beam Deviation 0° ± 5 arcmin
Reflected Beam Deviation 90° ± 20 arcmin
Outer Dimensions 1.50" x 1.50" x 1.50"
(38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 38.1 mm)
Clear Aperture >Ø20.32 mm
Cage Cube Material Anodized Aluminum
Mounting Hole Imperial: 8-32 Tapped Hole
Metric: M4 Tapped Hole
  • The extinction ratio (ER) is the ratio of the maximum transmission of a sufficiently linearly polarized signal when the polarizer's axis is aligned with the signal to the minimum transmission when the polarizer is rotated by 90°.
  • Listed reflectance is per AR-coated surface, specified at the design wavelength.
  • Transmission and reflection specifications are based on that of the beamsplitter coating and do not account for surface losses. For typical transmission graphs and data, please see the Graphs tab.
  • Click Link for Detailed Specifications on the Substrate
  • Six Laser Line Wavelengths Available: 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, 980 nm,
    1064 nm, or 1550 nm
  • Antireflective (AR) Coated for Rabs < 0.25% @ 0° AOI
  • Extinction Ratio: TP:TS > 3000:1

Thorlabs' Laser-Line Polarizing Beamsplitters are constructed with a 1" polarizing beamsplitter cube mounted in 30 mm cage cube. These cubes separate the s- and p-polarized components of a beam by reflecting the s-polarized component at the dielectric beamsplitter coating while allowing the p-polarized component to pass.

The polarization extinction ratio for these cubes, TP:TS > 3000:1, is specified for the transmitted beam. These beamsplitter cube's outer optical surfaces are coated with an AR coating giving Rabs < 0.25% per surface at the design wavelength. The clear aperture for this optic is >Ø20.32 mm.

Damage Thresholds
Item # Design
Wavelength
Unmounted
Cube Item #
Damage Threshold
CCM1-PBS25-532(/M) 532 nm PBS25-532 2 J/cm2 @ 532 nm
(10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.470 mm)
100 W/cm @ 532 nm
(CWa, Ø1.000 mm)
CCM1-PBS25-633(/M) 633 nm PBS25-633 -
CCM1-PBS25-780(/M) 780 nm PBS25-780 -
CCM1-PBS25-980(/M) 980 nm PBS25-980 -
CCM1-PBS25-1064(/M) 1064 nm PBS25-1064 2 J/cm2 @ 1064 nm
(10 ns, 10 Hz, Ø0.517 mm)
1.5 kW/cm @ 1070 nm
(CWa, Ø1.012 mm)
CCM1-PBS25-1550(/M) 1550 nm PBS25-1550 1.5 kW/cm @ 1540 nm
(CWa, Ø0.087 mm)
  • The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of W/cm. For an explanation of why the linear power density provides the best metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see the Damage Thresholds tab.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
CCM1-PBS25-532 Support Documentation
CCM1-PBS25-532Customer Inspired! 30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Polarizing Beamsplitter Cube, 532 nm, 8-32 Tap
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CCM1-PBS25-633 Support Documentation
CCM1-PBS25-633Customer Inspired! 30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Polarizing Beamsplitter Cube, 633 nm, 8-32 Tap
$393.20
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CCM1-PBS25-633/M Support Documentation
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Cage Cube Connector

C4W-CC Application
Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
C4W130 mm Cage Cube
C6W130 mm Cage Cube, Ø6 mm Through Holes
CCM1-4ER1Compact Clamping 4-Port Prism/Mirror 30 mm Cage Cube, 8-32 Tap
C4W-CC130 mm Cage Cube Connector for C4W and C6WR Series Cubes
CM1-CC1Cage Cube Connector for Compact 30 mm Cage Cubes
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
C4W130 mm Cage Cube
C6W130 mm Cage Cube, Ø6 mm Through Holes
CCM1-4ER/M1Compact Clamping 4-Port Prism/Mirror 30 mm Cage Cube, M4 Tap
C4W-CC130 mm Cage Cube Connector for C4W and C6WR Series Cubes
CM1-CC1Cage Cube Connector for Compact 30 mm Cage Cubes
A C4W and C6W Cage Cube connected to a 1.5" wide CCM1-4ER Compact Cage Cube using the C4W-CC and CM1-CC Cube Connectors, respectively.
CM1-CC Application
Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
BA2T21Adjustable Mounting Base, 2" x 3" x 3/8"
CM1-CC2Cage Cube Connector for Compact 30 mm Cage Cubes
CCM1-BS014130 mm Cage Cube-Mounted Non-Polarizing Beamsplitter, 700 - 1100 nm, 8-32 Tap
CCM1-PBS252130 mm Cage Cube-Mounted Polarizing Beamsplitter Cube, 620-1000 nm, 8-32 Tap
CCM1-4ER1Compact Clamping 4-Port Prism/Mirror 30 mm Cage Cube, 8-32 Tap
PH21Ø1/2" Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L = 2"
TR21Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 2"
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
BA2T2/M1Adjustable Mounting Base, 50 mm x 75 mm x 10 mm
CM1-CC2Cage Cube Connector for Compact 30 mm Cage Cubes
CCM1-BS014130 mm Cage Cube-Mounted Non-Polarizing Beamsplitter, 700 - 1100 nm, 8-32 Tap
CCM1-PBS252130 mm Cage Cube-Mounted Polarizing Beamsplitter Cube, 620-1000 nm, 8-32 Tap
CCM1-4ER/M1Compact Clamping 4-Port Prism/Mirror 30 mm Cage Cube, M4 Tap
PH50/M1Ø12.7 mm Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking Thumbscrew, L=50 mm
TR50/M1Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
CM1-CC Connecting Multiple 1.5" Wide Cage Cubes
  • Connect Two 1.5" Wide Cage Cubes Side by Side
  • Connect a 1.5" Wide Cage Cube to a 2" Wide Cage Cube
  • Compatible with CM1 or CCM1 Series Cage Cubes

The CM1-CC cage cube connector allows two or more CM1 or CCM1 style cubes to be connected as shown in the image to the right. The CM1 and CCM1 series of cage cubes, which are all compatible with this connector, include empty cubes, empty dichroic cubes, mounted beamsplitters, mounted penta prisms, and mounted turning mirrors. The CM1-CC cage cube connector includes four 4-40 button-head screws, two 4-40 flat-head screws, four washers, and a 1/16" hex key.

Two cage cube-mounted turning mirrors cannot be connected using the CM1-CC due to a lack of Ø6 mm cage rod holes on two sides of the cube.

We also offer the C4W-CC to connect two 2" wide 30 mm cage cubes. Both C4W-CC and CM1-CC cage cube connectors can be used to connect one 1.5" wide 30 mm cage cube, such as our CCM1-4ER(/M), with a 2" wide 30 mm cage cube. 

Alignment Pins
Please note that because dowel alignment pins are used, the connector requires drilled holes on the cube face between the SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) ports. If you have an older cube and would like it updated to have alignment holes for free, please contact Technical Support. Alternatively, the alignment pins are press-fit inside their mounting holes, and can be pressed out for use with cubes that do not have these alignment holes.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CM1-CC Support Documentation
CM1-CCCage Cube Connector for Compact 30 mm Cage Cubes
$53.47
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