Numerical demonstration of low-reflective wire grid polarizers with a patterned Fe2O3 absorptive layer

Abstract

Absorptive polarizers are pivotal components for realizing a low ambient reflection in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Different types of absorptive polarizers have been proposed. Nevertheless, the realization of compact and efficient absorptive polarizers remains challenging. Wire grid polarizers (WGPs) are a promising solution because of their high durability and relatively thin thickness. In this paper, two structures of absorptive-WGPs have been proposed and optimized at the target wavelength of 532 nm: one is based on a patterned F e 2 O 3 / A l bi-layer on top of a S i O 2 substrate, and the second one builds on the first one by depositing a S i O 2 layer in the gaps of Al. The optimal solutions exhibit a reflectance less than 5%, a transmittance over 45%, and an extinction ratio over 40 dB. To evaluate the manufacturing feasibility, their sensitivity to the wire’s dimensional parameters is investigated. Their great spectral performance and large acceptance angles demonstrate that such polarizers have the potential to significantly promote the development of current display technologies.