Rochon & Wollaston Polarisers

WOLLASTON TYPE

Wollaston prism polarizing beam splitters consist of two equal angle calcite prisms optically coupled with optic axis orthogonally crossed to the direction of propogation. The beam separation of about 20° is then approximately balanced about the input beam axis. The transmission range for cemented prisms of 0.32 to 2.5µm to 18° at 2.5µm.

ROCHON TYPE

In this arrangement one polarization state is transmitted undeviated through the prism while the orthogonal component is deviated approximately 10°. The straight through component is clearly chromatic while the deviated beam varies from 11° at 0.32µm to 8.5° at 2.5µm.

Wollaston Type BSW	Rochon Type BSR

Specifications

Type	Aperture (mm)	Deviation (deg)	Mount Dia (mm)	Mount Length (mm)
BSW	10	20°	25	11
BSW	12	20°	25	13
BSW	15	20°	30	16
BSW	20	20°	40	20
BSR	10	10°	25	11
BSR	12	10°	25	13
BSR	15	10°	30	16
BSR	20	10°	40	20

Both varieties can be made from optically contacted quartz. The beam deviation is then 1° but the spectral range is increased to 0.2 - 2.0µm.