beam splitter

noun

Definition of beam splitter

: a mirror or prism or a combination of the two that is used to divide a beam of radiation into two or more parts

Recent Examples of beam splitter from the Web

Remove the second beam splitter and interference becomes impossible.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Quantum experiment in space confirms that reality is what you make it," 27 Oct. 2017
Instead, the first beam splitter sends the photon down one path or the other, like a particle.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Quantum experiment in space confirms that reality is what you make it," 27 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beam splitter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.