Imbedded wire grid polarizer for the visible spectrum
AssigneeMoxtek, Inc.
InventorsRaymond T. Perkins, Eric W. Gardner, Douglas P. Hansen
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Abstract
An embedded wire grid polarizer for the visible spectrum includes an array of parallel, elongated, spaced-apart elements sandwiched between first and second layers. The elements form a plurality of gaps between the elements which provide a refractive index less than the refractive index of the first layer. Regions may be formed between the elements and the first and/or second layers which also provide a refractive index which is less than the refractive index of the layers. The regions may be formed by film layers or ribs/grooves formed in the layers.
Claims69
An embedded wire grid polarizer for the visible spectrum, the polarizer comprising:
- a first layer having a refractive index;
- a second layer, separate from the first layer, having a refractive index;
- and
- an array of parallel, elongated, spaced-apart elements, sandwiched between the first and second layers, and forming a plurality of gaps between the elements, the gaps providing a refractive index less than the refractive index of the first layer.
An imbedded wire grid polarizer for the visible spectrum, the polarizer comprising:
- first and second separate layers having respective first and second surfaces facing towards one another, and respective first and second refractive indices;
- an array of parallel, elongated, spaced-apart elements, sandwiched between the first and second surfaces of the first and second layers, the elements having first surfaces facing towards the first surface of the first layer and defining an imaginary plane extending across the first surfaces of the elements;
- and
- a region, between the imaginary plane extending across the first surfaces of the elements and the first surface of the first layer, having a refractive index which is less than the refractive index of the first layer.
An embedded wire grid polarizer for the visible spectrum, the polarizer comprising:
- a substrate having a first surface and a first refractive index;
- an array of parallel, elongated, spaced-apart elements, coupled to and oriented parallel to the substrate, configured to interact with electromagnetic waves of light in the visible spectrum to generally reflect most the light of a first polarization and transmit most the light of a second polarization, and forming a plurality of gaps between the elements, the gaps providing a refractive index less than the first refractive index of the substrate;
- and
- a layer, coupled to and oriented parallel to the array of elements, having a second refractive index.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.