The two main categories of beam splitters are cube beam splitters and plate beam splitters.

Cube Beam Splitters

Cube beam splitters are constructed by bonding two right-angle prisms together, typically with an optical adhesive, forming a cubic shape. One hypotenuse surface is coated to partially reflect and transmit light. Cube splitters are widely used in applications requiring precise splitting ratios and minimal beam displacement, such as interferometers, laser systems, and optical experiments . They are often preferred for their mechanical stability and ease of alignment.

Plate Beam Splitters

Plate beam splitters consist of a thin, flat glass plate coated on one surface with a partially reflective layer. They are usually positioned at a 45° angle to the incoming beam. Plate splitters are simpler and lighter than cube splitters and are commonly used in imaging systems, cameras, and microscopy where slight beam displacement is acceptable . Anti-reflection coatings on the second surface help reduce unwanted reflections.

Additional Considerations

Beam splitters can also be classified as polarizing or non-polarizing, depending on whether they separate light based on polarization. Polarizing beam splitters are used in laser optics and quantum experiments, while non-polarizing types maintain the original polarization of the light . Other specialized designs, such as pellicle, dichroic, and fiber-optic splitters, exist for specific applications, but cube and plate remain the fundamental categories .