Depolarizing optical effect by ZnO nanowire arrays

• Published in: Physica. E, Low-dimensional systems & nanostructures Low-dimensional systems & nanostructures, 2019-10, Vol.114, p.113600, Article 113600
• Main Authors: Valente, P., Seré, A., Pereyra, C.J., Campo, L., Marotti, R.E., Dalchiele, E.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1386-9477
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physe.2019.113600

The changes in the polarization state of light due to transmission through ZnO nanowires grown upon FTO substrate is analyzed. It is shown that the inhomogeneities on a nanometric scale induce non trivial changes on the polarization state of light, that turns perfect polarized light into partially polarized light. Correlations are found between the morphology of the NW arrays and the degree of polarization of the transmitted light. It is shown that as the nanowires become longer, the light polarization is more disturbed, while the increase of the nanowire density helps to preserve light polarization. •ZnO nanowires (NW) were grown by electrochemical methods.•Nanowire arrays produce non trivial changes on the polarization state of light.•Disordered nanowire arrays turns perfect polarized light into partially polarized light.•The degree of polarization of the outcome light depends on the sample morphology.•It is shown how NW density and length disturb optical polarization.