Polarizing Beamsplitter for Wearable Devices

Miniature PBS with high light throughput

Materion Balzers Optics understands the tight budget of lumens, weight and size, when it comes to optical systems for wearable devices. Therefore, we have developed technologies to miniaturize the Polarizing Beamsplitter (PBS) without compromising its excellent light throughput characteristics. Chamfer-free manufacturing and our edge-to-edge coating procedure reduce the non-functional area to zero. And this improved utilization of substrate surface enables smaller component design. As option, patterned or uniform black chrome coating may be added to eliminate unwanted straylight.

Benefits

Small size and weight
High lumens throughput
Tight surface form and angular tolerances
Minimum dead area
Flexibility in substrate material, shape and size
High volume fabrication

Applications

Augmented reality
Wearable devices
Near-Eye displays
Pico projectors
Laser projector
Gesture recognition
Solid state lighting

Technical Data

Dimensions

From 2 mm to 15 mm cubic or cuboid

Tolerances ± 0.005 mm

Angular tolerances ± 3’

Bond line thickness < 0.01 mm

Flatness

< 0.5 fringes per 5 mm

Defects

Scratch/Dig 40/20 (MIL)

Edge chips < 0.05 mm

Glass Index range

from 1.50 to 1.85

Spectral performance for a broad spectrum

Tp (avg) > 90% VIS

Rs (avg) > 95% VIS

Contrast > 300:1

AOI = 45° ± 10° (in glass)

Spectral performance for a narrow spectrum (40 nm)

Tp (avg) > 95%

Rs (avg) > 99%

AOI = 45° ± 20° (in glass)

Other possible features

OD4 Black chrome coating, patterned or uniform

Index matching layer on optical surfaces

PBS coating for NIR wavelengths

Assembly of wave-plates

PBS application in a LCOS projection system for near-eye displays

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