Optics Question

[neptune]

hello people,

I want to know that if i want to split a beam of light into half of the luminosity then how do i do it.

i can either place a half polished mirror to split it into 2

or

i can place a thin wall parallel to beam to cut it into 2

in either case if 1 lumen of beam is visible then can i split it into two .5 lumen's beam ?
which would be the best method ?

 

[alec_t]

which would be the best method ?

If you have to retain the cross-sectional shape of the beam then I don't see how the thin-wall method would work. If the split beam shape is not important the thin-wall method may be simpler. Depends too on the intended beam directions after the split? Either method will be lossy, so you won't get exactly 2 x 0.5 lumens from 1 lumen.

 

[neptune]

i want equal light not exactly 0.5 but 50:50 and shape doesnt matter here