Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-15-1985

Abstract

The condition of zero reflection of p- and s-polarized light by a transparent bilayer on an absorbing substrate is derived in the form |gν(ø,Ni)| ≤ 1, where gν is a function of the angle of incidence ø, the refractive indices Ni(i = 0,1,2,3) of the system, and the polarization state ν (= p or s). As an application, the air-Si3N4-SiO2-Si system is considered at two laser wavelengths λ = 6328 and 3250 Å. The thicknesses of the two films of the bilayer and the unextinguished reflectance are determined as functions of ø, and the results appear graphically and in tables. Extinction of the s polarization is accompanied by low overall residual reflectance (e.g., for incident unpolarized light, it is 1.6% for λ = 6328 Å at ø = 45°). On the other hand, suppression of the p polarization at a high incidence angle is accompanied by high s reflectance (e.g. = 96%for λ = 3250 Å at ø = 83°). This demonstrates that efficient bilayer reflection polarizers are possible.

Journal Name

Applied Optics

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-24-4-519. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

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