Polymeric Broadband Polarizing Beamsplitters

The development of high-performance, broadband, polarizing beamsplitters is paramount to the evolution of future optical and communications systems that require the use of polarized light. Conventional polarizing beamsplitters are limited by small fields of view and narrow spectral regions. Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) proposes to develop broadband, polarizing beamsplitters based on a proprietary combination of nematic and chiral liquid crystals materials. The unique materials and processing allow the films to be transferred from the substrate on which they are fabricated and to either remain free-standing or to be applied to another surface as a coating. In addition, by altering the composition of the materials, the wavelength regime can be tuned. The bandwidth can be increased by introducing a pitch gradient throughout the film thickness. The proposed technology will directly address NASA's requirement for novel optical coatings for use in the EUV, UV, visible, IR and far IR for filters, beamsplitters, polarizers and reflectors. Subtopic S2.05 calls for broadband polarizing beamsplitters, which this proposal specifically addresses.