Beam polarisation

[xntrix]

Newbie question here.
I hope to combine two reds using a PBS cube.
I understand that to do this the beams must be polarised at 90 deg to each other (I think!).
If I were using two identical diodes (for example) then I can see this is simple enough. However, if the two soures are different, is there any simple way to determine polarisation? Or do you just rotate them to get brightest output?
I have no power meter to check anything.
Regards, David

[stanwax]

David

With 2 different diodes yes I would just rotate them and see what happens. When I do this I place a piece of white paper in the way of the unwanted portion of the beam after the cube. I then watch the spot on this as I adjust to see when it gets to the lowest point. You can also use a photodiode with an analogue meter (much easier to see than a digital for peaking something in) I bought a real cheap and nasty one for aboy £2.5 and have a PD with a large surface area on a bit of veroboard permantly attached. I call it 'peakymeter' works a treat
hope this helps

Rob