1. A polarization beam splitter comprising: at least six prisms assembled together to form a single solid component with at least one diagonal interface formed by a combination of two or more prism surfaces; the solid component having at least four light entrance/exit surfaces, at least two of the light entrance/exit surfaces forming a step; at least one prism has a non-triangular cross-sectional shape, at least one surface of a prism that forms a portion of the diagonal interface has a polarization beam splitting material disposed thereon.