Encapsulation shape with non-rotational symmetry designed for extraction of polarized light from unpolarized sources

Abstract

A non-rotationally symmetric encapsulation shape - which takes advantage of the low reflection coefficient for transverse magnetic polarized light near Brewster's angle - designed to enhance extraction of a particular desired linear polarization from an unpolarized source is reported. The algorithm for optimization of the shape is described. Numerical ray-tracing simulations of the encapsulation shape are performed and predict an integrated enhancement of 8.3% in the ratio of desired polarization to undesired polarization when the refractive index of the encapsulant is 1.5. Experimental measurements of fabricated encapsulant shapes agree well with numerical predictions. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.