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All-polarization beamsplitters for interferometer applications

S. L. Kranzhoff1,2,*, Z. Van Ranst1,2,†, J. De Bolle3,‡, S. Coessens3,4, S. L. Danilishin1,2, C. Detavernier3, P. F. Smet5, A. P. Spencer6, J. Steinlechner1,2 et al.

S. Steinlechner1,2, M. Vardaro1,2, and S. Hild1,2

  • *Contact author: luise.kranzhoff@ligo.org
  • †Contact author: z.vanranst@maastrichtuniversity.nl
  • ‡Contact author: jorden.debolle@ugent.be
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043068 – Published 17 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/p244-lz69

Abstract

Optical beamsplitters with similar properties for orthogonal, linear polarization modes are required for realizing polarization-based speed meter schemes to reduce backaction noise in gravitational-wave interferometers. In this paper, we investigate two beamsplitter coatings obtained from Laseroptik GmbH and Optoman on a best-effort basis that aim for a 50/50 power splitting ratio and equal overall phase shift for two orthogonal, linear polarization modes interacting with the optic. We show that while Laseroptik GmbH opted for coating stack with 22 alternating layers of Ta2O5 and SiO2, Optoman produced a much thinner coating made of five SiO2 and SiOx (0<x<2) layers. With these strategies, the Laseroptik coating achieves an equal power reflectivity of 51% at 46∘ angle of incidence and zero phase shift between both polarizations at 44.25∘ angle of incidence. The Optoman coating achieves power reflectivities of 49% for s polarization and 51% for p polarization with a differential phase shift around 5∘ largely independent of the angle of incidence.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043068– Published 17 October, 2025
  • Received 1 August 2025
  • Accepted 19 September 2025
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