Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed thin-film polarization devices that generate and/or sample light-polarization states over a broad band (wide wavelength range) and over wide angles. The polarizers incorporate and exploit multiple polarization layer groups and can be integrated into a microarray and incorporated into a light source or a polarization camera.
Background
Polarization is one of the primary characteristics of light. Current polarizers can measure or create both linear and circularly polarized light, but they are limited to operating over a narrow range of wavelengths and angles. There is a need for for polarizer-based devices that are operable over wider ranges of wavelengths and angles.
Applications
- Broadband imaging polarimetry
- Polarized white light sources
- Displays
- Cameras
Advantages
- Operates over broad range of wavelengths and angles
- Pixelated structure is useful for displays and detectors
- Individual pixels can have different polarizations across the array
Status: issued U.S. Patents #10,254,453 and #10,718,889
