Polarization discrimination and surface sensing with a near-IR nanostructured hybrid mirror

Abstract

We demonstrate experimentally how to turn a conventional distributed Bragg reflector into a polarization selecting mirror operating in the near-IR at normal incidence without diffraction and with high extinction ratio. Our approach involves combining a dielectric multilayer composite with a sub-wavelength metal wire-grid nanograting, which can be routinely fabricated using well-established planar fabrication techniques. Moreover, the design and working principle of our nanostructured hybrid mirror enable it to operate as a surface sensor and allow straightforward integration of the mirror with functional materials for tuning its wavelength/polarization extinction ratio.