Flexible and Thermally Stable Optical Polarizers Based on Highly Aligned Carbon Nanotube Sheets for the Visible Spectral Range

Abstract

Development of new types of optical components applicable to flexible and stretched substrates is essential for designing innovative display platforms for wearable and outdoor applications. Here, a novel polarizer based on highly aligned macroscopic carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets with flexibility, thermal stability, high polarization efficiency, and high transmittance is introduced. Since the conductive multiwalled CNTs are essentially held together by van der Waals forces, wire‐grid‐type polarizers of well‐aligned conductive CNTs in one direction can be developed without complex and difficult manufacturing processes. The CNT sheet exhibits uniform polarization efficiency in the visible light region and maintains its polarization characteristics without physical deformation even at temperatures greater than 100 °C. Moreover, the transmission according to the angle formed by two CNT sheets follows the Malus law, similar to a typical polarizer. Finally, the applicability of the CNT sheet polarizer on a commercial liquid crystal displays monitor is demonstrated.

Multidomain Oriented Particle Chains Based on Spatial Electric Field and Their Optical Application

“…Dielectrophoresis, the force that the particle is subjected to in an AC electric field, allows the assembly of particle chains with different patterns by changing the field intensity, frequency, and electrodes structure, etc., which has been demonstrated in our previous report . Herein, as a potential application, we show the application of gels containing oriented particle chains in grating, − which is an exciting development and brings many leads to the field of photonic crystals. − …”

Investigation and optimization of polarization properties of self-assembled carbon nanotube films

“…Extraordinary polarization capability was reported by Kaili Jiang et al [18] that aligned CNT yarns reached 92% degree of polarization (DOP) in the ultraviolet region at 325 nm wavelength. In the visible spectral range, the CNT film average transmittance of 60% and the DOP of 70% have been achieved simultaneously by moonyoung Jun et al [19]. Moreover, the extinction ratio(ER) of the CNT sheet polarizer reached ∼37 dB in the broad terahertz range from 0.1to2.0 THz, which is regarded as a more prospective wave band [5].…”

Pixelated Micropolarizer Array Based on Carbon Nanotube Films

“…For the ultraviolet region, even the wavelengths in the regions of tens of nanometers, Kaili Jiang et al [ 14 ] reported the remarkable polarimetric capacity of the CNT polarizer, and a 92% degree of polarization (DOP) was obtained at 325 nm wavelength. Moonyoung Jun et al [ 20 ] prepared a CNT polarizer with a transmittance of 60% and a DOP of 70% in the visible spectral range. More significantly, in a broader terahertz range from 0.1~2.0 THz, the extinction ratio of the CNT polarizer was reported to reach nearly 37 dB [ 21 ].…”