Patterned wire grid polarizer and method of use

A polarizer device, comprising:

• a) a transparent substrate having a first surface;
• and
• b) a plurality of elongated primary and secondary elements, disposed on the first surface of the substrate, sized to interact with visible light to substantially transmit visible light of a first polarization orientation, and substantially reflect visible light of a second polarization orientation;
• and
• c) the primary and secondary elements having a different angular orientation with respect to one another.

A polarizer device, comprising:

• a) a transparent substrate having a first surface;
• b) a plurality of adjacent zones on the first surface of the substrate representing discrete surface areas;
• and
• c) a plurality of adjacent groups of elongated, parallel elements, each group disposed in one of the zones on the first surface of the substrate, sized to interact with visible light to substantially transmit visible light of one polarization orientation, and substantially reflect visible light of another polarization orientation;
• and
• d) the elements of one group having a different orientation with respect to elements of another group.

A polarizer device, comprising:

• a) a plurality of elongated primary elements sized to interact with visible light to substantially transmit visible light of one polarization orientation, and substantially reflect visible light of another polarization orientation;
• b) the elements forming acute angles with respect to one another and widening gaps therebetween;
• and
• c) a plurality of elongated secondary elements, each one disposed in one of the widening gaps between the primary elements.

A method for treating a visible beam of light to compensate for an undesired optical effect applied by an optical element, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) passing the beam of light through an optical element capable of undesirably modifying at least a portion of the beam of light;
• b) passing a portion of the beam of light through a first group of elongated elements;
• and
• c) passing a portion of the beam of light through a second group of elongated elements having a different orientation with respect to the elements of the first group, to compensate for the undesirable modification by the optical element.