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LP‐O: High‐Contrast‐Ratio Broad‐Angle LC Polarizing Beamsplitter
Author(s) -
Vinokur K.,
Shariv I.,
Gorbatov N.,
Pilossof N.,
Cheifetz E.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
sid symposium digest of technical papers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.351
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2168-0159
pISSN - 0097-966X
DOI - 10.1889/1.1833854
Subject(s) - optics , polarizer , beam splitter , birefringence , prism , materials science , polarization (electrochemistry) , high contrast , projector , contrast (vision) , physics , laser , chemistry
An efficient, broadband polarizing beam splitter based on birefringence of liquid crystals suitable for projection and communication systems was developed. Large aperture (about 2″), broad band (450nm–800nm or 1,000nm–1,800nm), wide acceptance angle (±10°), high splitting efficiency (contrast better than of 3,000:1 for the transmitted channel and 200:1–2,000:1 for the reflected one) with polarization axes matching the prism entrance and exit were achieved. Specially designed beveled edges contribute to beam splitter mechanical stability and manufacturability. The contrast remains better than 200:1 over the visible range at 45°C. Enhanced contrast for s‐polarization is obtained in a version that incorporates two reflecting surfaces within the prism. The device, used simultaneously as polarizer, analyzer, and combiner, is suitable for compact efficient high intensity image projector.