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

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2019-08, Vol.176 (C), p.118-126
• Main 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
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer applications; Computer simulation; ENGINEERING; Fabry-pérot resonance; Fourier transforms; Infrared analysis; Optical components; Optical properties; Optics; Photonics; Polarizer; Polarizers; Pollutant deposition; Polymer films; Polymers; Sulfur; Sulfur polymer; Theoretical analysis; Transmission efficiency; Wavelength
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.05.036

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. [Display omitted] •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.