Novel polarized-light emitting polymer systems

A novel polymer bilayer illumination system is presented from which linearly polarized light is emitted. Sepn. of the two polarization directions is achieved by total internal reflection of the undesired light component at the polymer-polymer interface. Model systems comprising optically isotropic polystyrene (PS) sheets and oriented, birefringent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films with a relief structure to direct the light out of the systems displayed high polarizing capabilities: contrast ratios of over 10 for viewing angles between -10 Deg and +20 Deg were recorded in case of uncollimated incoming light. The use of a collimated light source resulted in contrast ratios of 20 up to over 40 over a viewing angle regime of -20 Deg to +15 Deg. [on SciFinder (R)