Parallel-slab polarizing beam splitter and photopolarimeter.

A dielectric-slab polarizing beam splitter (PBS) is described that generates two parallel beams of orthogonal p and s linear polarizations in reflection and functions as a diattenuator in transmission. The plane-parallel slab, which is set at Brewster's angle, is uncoated on one side and has an s-polarization antireflection coating (s-ARC) on the other side. Analytical results are presented for a PBS that uses a high-index slab coated with a low-index single-layer s-ARC, which is particularly suited for the IR. A novel multistage photopolarimeter that uses two such PBSs in series is described as being capable of sequential and simultaneous measurement of all four Stokes parameters of light.