Optimal beam splitters for the division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter

Optimal optical parameters of the beam splitter that is used in the division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter are determined. These are (1) 50%–50% split ratio of the all-dielectric beam splitter, (2) differential phase shifts in reflection and transmission Δr and Δt that differ by ±π/2, and (3) ellipsometric parameters (ψr, ψt)= (27.368°, 62.632°) or (62.632°, 27.368°). It is also shown that for any nonabsorbing beam splitter that splits incident unpolarized light equally, the relationship ψr+ψt=π/2 is always satisfied