Low Tolerances in Optics Used for Monitoring Laser Power

Improved design of polarization-independent beam splitters

Published: Monday, May 29, 2023 - 11:00

(Laser Components: Olching, Germany) -- With an improved optical design and the broadband monitoring of production processes, Laser Components has succeeded in further optimizing the tolerances of polarization-independent beam splitters.

These optics are used for real-time measurement of laser power in applications in which the polarization of the laser beam can change. For example, |Rs-Rp|<0.2% applies to the reflectance values, thus the ratio of s and p polarization does not change during beam splitting.

Diagram of a beam splitter Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Polarization-independent beam splitter

The manufacture of polarization-independent beam splitters is a complex process in which the coating process must be carefully monitored. Usually, the coatings are deposited in an ion-assisted deposition (IAD) or ion-beam sputtering (IBS) system. This produces coatings with a very high packing density, which in turn allows the optics to retain their properties even in a vacuum or under severe temperature fluctuations.

The real-time monitoring of laser power is used in applications that require permanently stable performance. If irregularities are detected, the pump power can be adjusted to compensate for them. The measurement is performed on a decoupled part of the laser beam. Even slight irregularities in the polarization of the laser would falsify the measurement results of a polarizing beam splitter.

Further product information: Partially Reflective Coating

Quality Digest does not charge readers for its content. We believe that industry news is important for you to do your job, and Quality Digest supports businesses of all types.

However, someone has to pay for this content. And that’s where advertising comes in. Most people consider ads a nuisance, but they do serve a useful function besides allowing media companies to stay afloat. They keep you aware of new products and services relevant to your industry. All ads in Quality Digest apply directly to products and services that most of our readers need. You won’t see automobile or health supplement ads.

Our PROMISE: Quality Digest only displays static ads that never overlay or cover up content. They never get in your way. They are there for you to read, or not.

So please consider turning off your ad blocker for our site.

Thanks,
Quality Digest

About The Author

Quality Digest

For 40 years Quality Digest has been the go-to source for all things quality. Our newsletter, Quality Digest, shares expert commentary and relevant industry resources to assist our readers in their quest for continuous improvement. Our website includes every column and article from the newsletter since May 2009 as well as back issues of Quality Digest magazine to August 1995. We are committed to promoting a view wherein quality is not a niche, but an integral part of every phase of manufacturing and services.

Quality Digest