50/50 beam splitter

A 50/50 beam splitter is an optical device that divides an incoming light beam into two equal parts, sending each 50% of the light in different directions. It essentially acts like a semi-transparent mirror: if a laser beam hits it, half of the light passes straight through, and the other half is reflected at a right angle. This is useful in experiments and devices like interferometers, where splitting and recombining light allows studying interference patterns or measuring tiny differences in distance or phase. The 50/50 ratio ensures equal distribution, making it a fundamental component in precise optical setups.