Transparent thin film polarizing and optical control systems

• Main Authors: Nelson V. Tabiryan, Sarik R. Nersisyan, Timothy J. White, Timothy J. Bunning, Diane M. Steeves, Brian R. Kimball
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2011-06-01
• Series: AIP Advances
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3609965

We show that a diffractive waveplate can be combined with a phase retardation film for fully converting light of arbitrary polarization state into a polarized light. Incorporating a photonic bandgap layer into a system of such polarizers that unify different polarization states in the input light into a single polarization state at its output, rather than absorbing or reflecting half of it, we developed and demonstrated a polarization-independent optical controller capable of switching between transmittive and reflective states. The transition between those states is smoothly controlled with low-voltage and low-power sources. Using versatile fabrication methods, this “universally polarizing optical controller” can be integrated into a thin package compatible with a variety of display, spatial light modulation, optical communication, imaging and other photonics systems.