Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2006
Abstract
An all-transparent symmetric trilayer structure, which consists of a high-index center layer coated on both sides by a low-index film and embedded in a high-index prism, can function as an efficient polarizer or polarizing beam splitter under conditions of frustrated total internal reflection over a wide range of incidence angles. For a given set of refractive indices, all possible solutions for the thicknesses of the layers that suppress the reflection of either the p or s polarization at a specified angle, as well as the reflectance of the system for the orthogonal polarization, are determined. A 633 nm design that uses a MgF2-ZnS-MgF2 trilayer embedded in a ZnS prism achieves an extinction ratio (ER)>40 dB from 50° to 80° in reflection and an ER>20 dB from 58° to 80° in transmission. IR polarizers that use CaF2-Ge-CaF2 trilayers embedded in a ZnS prism are also considered.
Journal Name
Applied Optics
Recommended Citation
Rasheed M. A. Azzam and Siva R. Perla, "Polarizing properties of embedded symmetric trilayer stacks under conditions of frustrated total internal reflection," Appl. Opt. 45, 1650-1656 (2006)
Comments
This paper was published in Applied Optics and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-45-7-1650. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.