Wire Grid Polarizer with Dielectric Layer for High Transmittance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire grid polarizers face challenges in achieving a sufficient degree of polarization and transmittance over a wide range in the visible region, particularly in the short-wavelength region of visible light, due to limitations in microstructural concavo-convex grid pitches and resonance issues.
Innovation Solution
A wire grid polarizer is designed with a resin substrate having grid-shaped convex portions, a dielectric layer covering the convex portions and their side faces, and metal wires deposited on the dielectric layer, where the refractive index of the dielectric layer is higher than the resin substrate, and the pitches of the convex portions are 150 nm or less, enabling excellent adhesion and optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pitch of the microstructural concavo-convex grid is reduced to achieve a sufficient degree of polarization in the short-wavelength region, then the degree of polarization is improved, but it becomes difficult to implement such fine pitches in large areas using existing photolithography techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pitch parameter of the grid structure to 150 nm or less, which is a specific parameter modification that enables sufficient degree of polarization in the short-wavelength region while remaining manufacturable with current photolithography techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining resin substrate, dielectric layer, and metal wires to achieve the desired optical performance. This composite approach allows the grid structure to function effectively as a polarizer while being manufacturable in large areas
2Measurement precision
If the pitch of the wire grid is reduced to improve polarization efficiency, then the degree of polarization is improved, but the transmittance in the visible region deteriorates due to resonance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure with resin substrate, dielectric layer, and metal wires to achieve both high degree of polarization and excellent transmittance. The combination of materials with different optical properties allows the grid to polarize light effectively while minimizing resonance-induced absorption in the visible region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pitch parameter to 150 nm or less, which is a critical parameter change that balances polarization efficiency with transmittance performance, avoiding the resonance problems that occur with smaller pitches
3Measurement precision
If a microstructural concavo-convex grid with small pitches is formed to achieve high polarization efficiency, then the degree of polarization is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the pitch at 150 nm or less, which is a specific parameter optimization that achieves high polarization efficiency while remaining compatible with standard photolithography manufacturing processes, thereby controlling structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized grid structures on the resin substrate surface with specific pitch and orientation. This local quality approach allows the polarizing function to be achieved in specific regions without requiring the entire structure to be equally complex
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 solution achieves a high degree of polarization of 99.9% or more and excellent transmittance over almost the entire visible region, allowing for the use of the polarizer in large-area applications with reduced thickness and improved optical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the wire grid reflects almost all the electric field vector component of the light vibrating in parallel with the wires, while allowing almost all the electric field vector component of the light perpendicular to the wires to pass through the grid
Implementation Method 2
a refractive index of a region including the dielectric layer positioned higher than top portions of the grid-shaped convex portions is higher than a refractive index of the resin substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A wire grid polarizer has mainly a resin substrate 1 having grid-shaped convex portions 1a, a dielectric layer 2 provided to cover the grid-shaped convex portions 1a of the resin substrate 1 and at least part of side faces 1b of the portions, and metal wires 3 provided on the dielectric layer. The wire grid polarizer has a microstructural concavo-convex grid structure having grid-shaped convex portions, is not limited in structure, and has both the excellent degree of polarization and excellent transmittance over a wide range in the visible region.