Minimize the reflection loss of p-polarized light.
Brewster plates are used in optical devices in which minimal losses are important. The surfaces of the plates are arranged at Brewster’s angle (67.4° for ZnSe at 10.6 µm) to the optical axis, allowing the light polarized parallel to the plane of incidence (p-pol) to pass through completely. Perpendicularly polarized light (s-pol) is partially reflected (about 50%).
Brewster plates are used to generate linearly polarized light (e.g., in a laser resonator). They can also be used individually or stacked as a polarizer. During the laser processing of highly reflective metals, Brewster plates prevent back-reflected radiation from re-entering the resonator.
LASER COMPONENTS offers Brewster plates exclusively as rectangular components. Standard ZnSe Brewster plates are available at a length of 3 mm to 200 mm and a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm. In order to achieve an appropriate beam quality, a few rules must be observed when using Brewster plates.
Rules for the use of Brewster plates
- They should be about 2.5 times as long as they are wide in order to give the incident beam a square profile.
- The ratio of length to thickness should be less than 30:1 because greater thickness ensures a better surface image.
- Brewster plates are normally used in pairs.
- A special coating on the front side can increase the reflection for s-pol to over 98% (enhanced Brewster plate; EWBZ).
For the optimum performance of a laser optic, the coating and substrate must be matched to the application. We will be happy to advise you and produce your customized design upon request.
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Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS UK Ltd., your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, fiber optics, and more is worth every Pound (£/GBP). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:
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