UV Quartz or MgF2 Rochon Polarizers

The prisms are produced from the highest quality synthetic UV material available. The two prisms are optically contacted. Flatness of the outer faces is λ/10 for λ = 550 nm and deformation of the transmitted plane wave is less than λ/5.
The extinction ratio is at least 10^-5.
The prisms are mounted in a vacuum compatible cylindrical holder with vented air spaces.
The ordinary beam passes through the prism without deviation (with an error less than about 3'). The direction of polarization of the electric field vector of the ordinary beam is engraved on the holder. The surface of the prism in which the optical axis of the crystal lies parallel to the surface is oriented towards the engraved side of the holder.
The UV Rochon polarizers are manufactured from synthetic quartz and in two versions from magnesium flouride. The wavelength dependence of the divergence angles is given in the following table:

Important note for integration

When the prism is used as a polarizer (i.e. to achieve polarized light after the prism) the light must enter the side which is not engraved. When the prism however is used as an analyzer (i.e. to analyze the polarisation of incident light) the engraved side must be directed towards the incident light. Thus, when used in a pair as polarizer and analyzer the engravings of the holders must face each other.

Prisms PUQ are produced from synthetic quartz. The usable spectral range is approx. from 180 nm to 2.8 µm.
Prisms PUM are made of MgF2 (VUV material). The usable spectral range is approx. from 150 nm to 6 µm.

Air-spaced version for high-power laser applications

For high-power applications in UV an air-spaced version is produced in which the inner faces are passed almost at the Brewster angle so that the ordinary beam traverses the inner faces without reflection losses.

The deviation of the extraordinary beam is 0.4° (250 nm) for the quartz prisms and 0.55° (150 nm) for the MgF₂ prisms.