Scattering birefringence polarizers based on oriented blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and core–shell particles

Abstract

Here, we present the results on the optical characteristics of polymeric, linear polarizers produced from oriented, two-component, polymer blends. By a proper selection of materials and drawing conditions, the refractive index of the dispersed phase of the blend is matched with the ordinary refractive index of the birefringent continuous phase while, at the same time, a large refractive index mismatch is generated in the perpendicular direction. The films are, therefore, transparent or opaque, dependent on the polarization direction of the incident light and act as linear polarizers with a high contrast ratio (≈1000) between the transparent and opaque state. These polarizers are all-polymer-based linear polarizers that operate on the anisotropic scattering of light, instead of anisotropic absorption, which offers some unique features and advantages.