What is Diffractive beam splitter?

The diffractive beam splitter is a single optical element that divides an input beam into N output beams. Each output beam retains the same optical characteristics as the input beam, such as size, polarization and phase. A diffractive beam splitter can generate either a 1-dimensional beam array or a 2-dimensional beam matrix , depending on the diffractive pattern on the element. The diffractive beam splitter is used with monochromatic light such as a laser beam, and is designed for a specific wavelength and angle of separation between output beams.