Increased yield of cubic crystalline optical elements by crystal orientation

Abstract

Increased yield of optical elements from cubic crystal rods, such as made of calcium fluoride, is made possible by orienting the optical elements for supporting the propagation of light along one of the <1 1>, <1 2 1>, or <1 1> alternative crystal axis, which extend perpendicular to a main <1 1 1> crystal axis. A cleave is taken through the crystal rod along a primary crystal plane {1 1 1} normal to the <1 1 1> main axis. One of the <1 1>, <11>, or <1 1> alternative crystal axes is located by optical inspection and indicated on the crystal rod with an orientation label. Additional cuts are taken parallel to the {1 1 1} primary crystal plane to divide the crystal rod into disks each containing a portion of the orientation label. The disks can be cut again and sides formed perpendicular to the {1 1 1} primary crystal plane with regard to the orientation labels for forming optical elements, such as prisms, oriented for supporting the propagation of polarized light along one of the <1 1>, <11>, and <1 1 > alternative crystal axes.