A Wollaston Prism, or Wollaston polarizer is a polarization optical component consisting of two right-angle prisms with their optical axes aligned in orthogonal directions. Wollaston prisms also pertain to the crystalline birefringent polarizer kind. 

When a natural light beam is projected at 90 degrees on the end face of the Wollaston prism, due to the birefringent phenomenon, the light is split into two polarization components with their oscillation directions perpendicular to each other. When the two components enter the first prism, because the incident angle is 90 degrees, both the s polarization (i.e. the ordinary light) and the p polarization (i.e. the extraordinary light) are not refracted but propagate at different speeds. When the e light and o light enter the second prism, because the optical axis of the second prism is perpendicular to the first prism, hence, in the second prism, the o component in the first prism switches into the e component, and the e component in the first prism switches into the o component. In the end, both the e light and o light experience a symmetrical angular deviation. 

The emerging two beams are of orthogonal linear polarization, identical intensities, and large separation angles. Since the deviation angle of the Wollaston polarizer is sensitive to shifts in wavelength, Wollaston prisms are often used in spectroscopes and polarization analyzers. Furthermore, Wollaston polarizers are also quite compelling in lab applications because a pair of light beams consisting of both ordinary light and extraordinary light that are symmetrical about their axis of initial propagation could be obtained.

Shanghai North Optics offers Standard and Custom Versions of Wollaston Prisms, made from Alpha-BBO, Calcite, YVO4, and Quartz. The products feature a cemented architecture, where the adhesive is applied outside the area of the clear aperture. The substrates could be uncoated, or coated with Broadband AR Coating (Bnadwidth 190-3500nm, 350-2300nm, 500-4000nm, 200-2300nm), Protective coating. The extinction ratio are 20000:1(Calcite), or 200000:1 (Alpha-BBO, YVO4). Standardized aperture sizes including φ6mm, φ10mm, φ12.7mm, φ15mm, and φ20mm are available in stock, and custom sizes are accessible through inquiries. The separation angles are diverse, comprising 2°, 15°,18°, and 20°, while other separation angles are procurable upon request.

Common Specifications: