UV Grid Polarizer Gas Blocking Layer Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire grid polarizers deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet light due to oxidation, leading to poor polarizing properties and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A grid polarizing element with a transparent substrate and a grid layer covered by a gas blocking layer that prevents oxidization gases from reaching the grid, maintaining the integrity of the polarizing properties and extending the lifespan of the polarizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grid is made from a metal (conductive material) to achieve polarizing function, then the polarizing performance is improved, but the grid deteriorates due to oxidation when exposed to ultraviolet light
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal grid and the oxidizing environment. This protective layer allows ultraviolet light to pass through while blocking oxygen and moisture from reaching the metal grid, preventing oxidation and maintaining both polarizing performance and grid integrity over time
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizer combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a metal layer for polarizing function, a transparent protective coating for oxidation resistance, and potentially a UV-curing resin layer for additional protection. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its specialized function
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a protective layer is added to prevent oxidation, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin transparent protective film or coating is applied to the metal grid. This thin layer provides sufficient oxidation protection while minimizing added complexity and maintaining the overall simplicity of the polarizer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: preventing oxidation, protecting against UV damage, and maintaining optical transparency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gas blocking layer effectively prevents deterioration, maintaining high transmittance and extinction ratios for ultraviolet light, ensuring consistent polarizing performance and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
each of the linear portions is made from a material that can be deteriorated when the material is in contact with an oxidization gas which is generated by ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
The wire grid polarizer reflects such polarized light. On the other hand, the wire grid polarizer is equivalent to the only transparent substrate for that polarized light, among the linearly polarized light, which has the electric field component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the grid. Thus, the wire grid polarizer allows such polarized light to pass (transmit) through the transparent substrate and become the outgoing light (emitted light).
Data Source
AI summary
A grid polarizing element has a structure that can prevent deteriorations due to an oxidization gas. The grid polarizing element is preferably used to polarize light in a ultraviolet light region. The grid polarizing element includes a transparent substrate and a grid layer disposed on the transparent substrate. The grid layer has a plurality of linear portions, and is shaped like a stripe. The grid layer is covered with a gas blocking layer to block the oxidization gas generated by the ultraviolet light such as ozone and active oxygen species. The gas blocking layer is transparent at a wavelength of the light to be polarized.