Poly(sulfur-random-(1, 3-diisopropenylbenzene)) based mid-wavelength infrared polarizer: Optical property experimental and theoretical analysis. (2nd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berndt, Aaron J.; Hwang, Jehwan; Islam, Md Didarul; Sihn, Amy; Urbas, Augustine M.; Ku, Zahyun; Lee, Sang Jun; Czaplewski, David A.; Dong, Mengyao; Shao, Qian; Wu, Shide; Guo, Zhanhu; Ryu, Jong Eun
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 176(2019)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2019-08-02
• Subjects: Sulfur polymer -- Fabry-pérot resonance -- Polarizer; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.05.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Development of polymer based mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) optics has been limited mainly due to high optical loss of organic polymers used in general optical components. In this study, a MWIR polarization grating based on a sulfuric polymer poly(sulfur-random-(1, 3-diisopropenylbenzene)) with a low loss in the MWIR range was fabricated using a simple two-step process: imprint and metal deposition. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurement showed that this polymeric MWIR polarizer selectively transmitted the polarized IR in transverse magnetic (TM) mode over the transverse electric (TE) mode at normal incidence. The measured extinction ratios ( η = The ratio of transmissions in TM and TE) were 208, 176, and 212 at the wavelength of 3, 4, and 5 μm, respectively. The computational simulation and analytical model confirmed that the enhanced TM transmission efficiency and η followed a Fabry-Pérot (FP) resonance mode within the created sulfuric polymer film. This polymeric MWIR polarizer demonstrated a great potential for broader applications in IR photonics to realize low-cost and durable optical components. Graphical abstract: Image 102 Highlights: The first polymer-based mid-wavelength infrared linear polarizer was built with sulfuric polymer film. Current mid-wavelength infrared polarizer optical elements are based on expensive and fragile inorganic materials. Transmission and extinction ratio are comparable to commercial products. Both computational simulation and analytical model confirmed the enhanced transmission efficiency and extinction ratio. Advantages of the polymeric material allow low-cost and scalable manufacturing.