Investigation of aluminum wire-grid polarizers for visible wavelengths using rigorous coupled wave analysis

Changkui Hu; Deming Liu

doi:10.1117/12.803464

11 November 2008 Investigation of aluminum wire-grid polarizers for visible wavelengths using rigorous coupled wave analysis

Changkui Hu, Deming Liu

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7134, Passive Components and Fiber-based Devices V; 713448 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.803464
Event: Asia-Pacific Optical Communications, 2008, Hangzhou, China

Abstract

In this study, we model and compare the performance for several different metal wire-grid polarizers over the visible spectrum using rigorous coupled wave analysis and determine that the best choice for the wire material is aluminum. However, a layer of Al₂0₃ forms rapidly on the aluminum wires even in high vacuum. The effect of metal oxide layers forming on the wires is also modeled. It is shown that the actual oxide layer forming on the wires has only a small effect on the performance of the polarizers. With the oxide layers coated on the wire, the transmission coefficient is nearly invariable, extinction ratio slightly decreases. Next, the polarization properties are considered with changes in the physical parameters, including period, metal height, duty cycle, and angle of incidence. The results show that aluminum wire-grid polarizer has high transmission coefficient and extinction ratio over visible spectrum, as well as uniform performance with wide variations in the angle of incidence. These features with their small form factor make it desirable for use in field-of-view and allow more compact component designs.

Citation Download Citation

Changkui Hu and Deming Liu "Investigation of aluminum wire-grid polarizers for visible wavelengths using rigorous coupled wave analysis", Proc. SPIE 7134, Passive Components and Fiber-based Devices V, 713448 (11 November 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.803464

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