Programmable broadband ultrathin micropolarizer based on photoalignment technology

Abstract

A method for creating broadband ultrathin azo dye micropolarizers is introduced, utilizing photoalignment technology and liquid crystal polymers to organize azo dyes into a long-range ordered structure. Achievements include a 3.63 μm thick polarizer with an extinction ratio over 140 and polarization efficiency over 99.3% across 400–650 nm, 5 μm × 5 μm pixel pitch flexible ultrathin checkerboard arrays and 6 μm pixel pitch flexible ultrathin one-dimensional grating with a 0.45 duty ratio through mask exposure technology. After a substrate-transfer technique, the bending cycle test demonstrates the mechanical stability and durability of the broadband ultrathin flexible polarizers, highlighting their potential for widespread use in integrated flexible optoelectronic systems.