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Precautions for Using Non-polarizing Beam Splitters (Technical Instructions) 

The core function of the non-polarizing beam splitter (NPBS) is to divide the incident light into transmitted and reflected light in a fixed ratio (such as 1:1, 2:8, etc.) without changing the polarization state of the light. It is widely used in laser measurement, imaging systems, optical experiments, machine vision and other fields. Its performance stability and service life directly depend on the correct usage and maintenance methods. The following are standardized usage precautions to help accurately bring out the optical performance of the product and avoid usage risks. 

I. Preparation Before Use (Core Premise) 

1.Adaptability verification 

Before use, it is necessary to confirm that the prism parameters are fully compatible with the application scenario:

Band adaptation: 

According to the wavelength of the incident light (visible light / infrared / ultraviolet), confirm the coating band of the prism to avoid band mismatch causing deviation in the splitting ratio and excessive light loss; 

Splitting ratio adaptation: 

Check the transmission / reflection ratio marked on the prism (such as 50:50) to ensure it meets the optical path design requirements of the system and avoid affecting detection or imaging accuracy; 

Power adaptation: 

The incident light power must not exceed the laser damage threshold of the prism (conventional models ≤ 5W, high-power custom models ≤ 50W) to prevent coating burnout and substrate damage. 

2. Environmental Preprocessing 

This device should be used in an environment that meets the following conditions to avoid environmental factors affecting its performance: 

Temperature: 

A constant temperature of 20 ± 0.5℃ is required. Avoid sharp temperature fluctuations (temperature difference > 5℃/h) to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the prism base material, which may cause spectral deviation. 

Cleanliness: 

A clean environment of class 100 is necessary. Dust, water vapor, and oil stains should be avoided from adhering to the optical surface to prevent abnormal light scattering and refraction. 

No interference: Keep away from strong magnetic fields and strong vibration sources to prevent prism installation offset and ensure the stability of the optical path. 

3. Appearance and Condition Inspection 

Before use, visually inspect the appearance of the prism: 

The optical surfaces (incident surface, exit surface, and beam-splitting surface) should be free of scratches, pits, chipped edges, and fingerprints. If there is any dirt, clean it first; 

The coating should be free of peeling, flaking, or discoloration, and the non-optical surfaces should be undamaged; 

The prism should be free of cracks or damage, and the fixture should be free of loosening or deformation to ensure there is no stress after installation. 

II. Installation and Debugging Precautions 

1.Correct installation 

Wear dust-free gloves during installation. Do not touch the optical surface directly to avoid contamination by fingerprints or sweat, which may affect the spectral performance. ② Use a dedicated optical fixture for fixation. The pressure of the fixture should be uniform to prevent excessive clamping from generating mechanical stress, which could cause prism deformation and spectral angle deviation. ③ Ensure that the incident light is perpendicular to the prism's incident surface. The installation deviation should be ≤ 0.001mm/m. The spectral surface needs to be aligned with the center of the optical path to avoid light deviation resulting in abnormal transmission/reflection ratios.

2. Optical Path Debugging Specifications 

During the debugging process, use low-power light (≤1W) for calibration to avoid direct exposure to high-power light and prevent accidental damage to the coating.

Gradually adjust the prism angle and calibrate the angles and ratios of the transmitted and reflected light through a spectrometer and a laser interferometer to ensure they meet the design requirements. After the debugging is completed, fix it firmly to prevent subsequent displacement. 

During the debugging process, avoid direct light exposure to the eyes and take protective measures to prevent laser burns. 

III. Core Taboos During Use 

Do not expose the prism to high-temperature, high-humidity or dusty environments to prevent the substrate from getting damp and the coating from oxidizing, which may lead to increased light loss and drift in the spectral splitting ratio. 

Do not touch the optical surface with hard objects (such as metal or glass) to prevent scratches, chipping and damage to the coating on the beam-splitting surface. 

It is strictly prohibited for the incident light power to exceed the rated threshold of the prism to prevent high-power lasers from burning the coating, melting the substrate, and causing the prism to be scrapped. 

Do not disassemble or wipe the prisms at will to avoid damaging the coating layer and altering the angular accuracy of the prisms. 

It is strictly prohibited to bring the prism into contact with corrosive substances such as acid and alkali solutions or organic solvents to prevent the substrate and coating from being corroded. 

IV. Cleaning and Maintenance Specifications 

1.Cleaning methods 

When there is a slight amount of dust on the surface, blow it off with dry and clean nitrogen gas. Do not blow it off with your mouth or wipe it with a cloth. 

When there are fingerprints or oil stains, use a lint-free cotton swab dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol (analytical grade) to gently wipe in one direction. After wiping, blow it dry with nitrogen gas to avoid ethanol residue. 

Do not use strong organic solvents such as acetone or gasoline to avoid corroding the coating. 

2. Regular maintenance 

Check the installation status of the prism every 1 to 3 months, calibrate the spectral angle and ratio, and ensure there is no deviation. 

Clean the optical surface every 3 to 6 months to prevent the accumulation of dirt. 

When not in use for a long time, disassemble the prism, seal it with dust-free packaging materials, place a desiccant inside, and store it in a constant temperature and dry environment (humidity ≤ 40%) to avoid moisture and dust. 

V. Precautions for Storage and Transportation 

1.Storage: 

Keep in a dedicated dust-free packaging box, away from high temperatures, high humidity, direct sunlight, corrosive environments, and avoid mixing with hard objects to prevent damage from collisions. 

2. Transportation: 

Use anti-shock, anti-static and anti-scratch packaging. During transportation, avoid severe vibration, collision and compression to prevent the prism from being damaged and the coating from peeling off. 

3. Handling: 

When handling, wear dust-free gloves, handle with care, and avoid grasping the optical surface with one hand. Prevent dropping and collision. 

UltraOpto Warm Reminder 

UltraOpto non-polarizing beam splitters are made of high-quality BK7 and fused silica substrates, processed with ultra-precision and vacuum-coated. They feature precise splitting ratios and strong stability. By strictly following the above usage precautions, the service life of the beam splitters can be effectively prolonged and their optical performance can be stably maintained in the long term. If any abnormal splitting or coating damage occurs during use, do not disassemble or repair them by yourself. Please contact our technical personnel for professional support.