Beamsplitters

Special Properties and Features

• Neutral splitting of visible light sources, images, and laser beams
• Broadband anti-reflection coated backside
• Free of double image and phantom laser beam effects
• Metal-free, fully dielectric layer construction
• Low energy losses
• Designed for random polarization
• High precision
• Large dimensions are available (DST500)

Typical Applications

• Reference measurement systems
• Laser beamsplitters in optical benches
• Semi-transparent mirrors for interferometers
• Splitting or merging of optical beam paths
• Sensor technology
• Fiber optic applications
• Telecommunications
• Three-dimensional imaging and machine vision
• Photonics research
• Beam splitter plates for optical instruments
• Laser beam combiners
• Linear optical measurement technology
• Robotics and automation
• Broadband divider mirrors for imaging applications

Related Products

• SIR-Series
  (infrared-reflecting dichroic beam splitter, "hot mirror")
• SHD-Series
  (dichroic infrared-transmitting beam splitter,
  "cold mirror")
• ND filters
  (attenuation filters made of SCHOTT NG materials)
• TDS Spy-Mirrors
  (partially transmitting mirror)

RFQ

 

Beamsplitters are essential components in a wide range of optical systems and applications. These optics, also known as semi-transparent mirrors, are designed to divide an incident light ray into two, allowing them to follow different paths. With their excellent optical properties, our DST beamsplitter plates are used in numerous industries, including telecommunications, spectroscopy, microscopy, imaging systems, automation, laser technology, and scientific research. Like optical mirrors, our DST beamsplitters reflect a certain amount of incoming light with an angle of incidence of 45°, while the remaining light is transmitted in the 0° direction. This partial reflection and transmission characteristic is achieved by the principle of optical interference.

A multi-layer dielectric thin film, applied to the input side of our DST in a vacuum, determines the reflection and transmission values of the beamsplitter. On the backside, we coat a broadband anti-reflection coating that prevents secondary reflections and eliminates ghost images and phantom laser beams. Additionally, the AR coating minimizes the losses typically caused by the reflective backside of a beam splitter if it is uncoated. The DST splitters differ from our dichroic beamsplitters, like our SIR filters or SHD mirrors, in that they are neutral in color and split visible light in a constant linear manner.

In contrast to beamsplitters that are based on metallic layers, which typically absorb a large portion of the incident energy, the losses of the DST beamsplitters are minimal. Because their dielectric layers show almost no absorption in the operating wavelength range, the DST beamsplitters can also split laser beams of up to medium laser power.

Many customers use the DST Series in reference measurement systems and optical benches. The coating design ensures excellent durability and high abrasion resistance. DST beamsplitters are designed for light sources with random polarization. When using the splitter optic with a polarized light ray or a laser, the actual R/T values may differ from the specifications in this datasheet, as we do not define them in terms of polarization accuracy. This does not generally preclude such applications. Often, you can achieve the desired division by selecting a higher or lower existing division ratio. In such cases, the cost is significantly reduced when compared to a dedicated batch of custom beamsplitters, especially if only small quantities are needed.

Should you require beamsplitters for polarized light, specific lasers, or a special laser line, we kindly request to contact us with information on the wavelength of your application, the required R/T, and all other relevant details. In addition to our standard DST300, DST500, and DST700 series, we can coat beamsplitters with division ratios to individual specifications. Please use our inquiry form to request assistance, more information, or help in designing your custom coated beam splitting optic.

 

How do I order the DST plate beamsplitters?

Our company specializes in rapid manufacturing and delivery of custom-sized optics. We often manufacture and ship our beamsplitters faster than distributors can ship their catalog items off-the-shelf. This is possible in many cases, even for large quantities! You will usually receive our quote within a few minutes, provided you are in our time zone and there are no questions that need clarification. Please select a beamsplitter from the table on this page or use the RFQ button below to send your inquiry.

 

RFQ

 

48-hour express manufacturing

 

Specifications

DST300

Enlarge the DST300 curve

DST500

Enlarge the DST500 curve

DST700

Enlarge the DST700 curve

Standard Thicknesses

Please click on a thickness to receive a quote:

Thickness (mm)	Tolerance
DST300 R : T = 70 : 30
1,00	±0,10	✔
DST500 R : T = 50 : 50
1,00	±0,10	✔
DST500T R : T = 50 : 50
3,30	±0,20	-
DST700 R : T = 30 : 70
1,00	±0,10	✔
Other thicknesses per inquiry.
The materials marked with "✔" are possible within 48-hour express manufacturing.

Dimensions

• Up to max. 630 mm × 810 mm

Splitting ratios for a 45° angle of incidence

(All specifications are for unpolarized light.)

DST300

• R/T = 70/30 (± 10 %) for 450–650 nm
  

DST500

• R/T = 50/50 (± 6 %) for 450–650 nm,
  R/T = 50/50 (± 10 %) for 430–685 nm
  

DST500T

• R/T = 50/50 (± 10 %) for 450–650 nm
  

DST700

• R/T = 30/70 (± 8 %) for 450–650 nm,
  R/T = 30/70 (± 10 %) for 400–700 nm
  

Different beam-splitting ratios, angles of incidence, and wavelengths are possible on demand.

Coating

• 100 % dielectric layers
• Backside BBAR-coated

Substrate Materials

• Selected float glass
• Other substrate materials per inquiry

Flatness

• Depending on the material and shape
  

Damage Threshold

• Depending on the laser beam diameter and laser power
  (Please send an inquiry if the laser power is relevant.)

Surface Quality

• Better than 80-50 scratch & dig (MIL-0-13830A)
• Other qualities per inquiry

Other Specifications

• Adherence according to MIL-C-675 C (tape test)
• Abrasion resistance according to MIL-M-13508 C

Note: If you are searching for cube beamsplitters, beam splitter prisms, non-polarizing cube beamsplitters, beam splitter cubes for special wavelength ranges, or beam splitter penta-prisms, please send us a detailed inquiry with all your specifications and requirements. Such kinds of optics are always customized and require larger batch quantities.

 

All given details and specifications are mean reference values and are not guaranteed. Also, please consider our "Notes on technical specifications".

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Last update: May 15, 2024