Polarization sensitive devices and methods of manufacture thereof

摘要

A film of photosensitive material is illuminated from first and second sides with coherent polarized light so as to form an interference pattern within the film. Regions of cyclicly varying refractive index are provided in the film in accordance with the intensity of the interference patten, thereby forming an polarization sensitive refractive index grating. The refractive index grating may be used as a polarization and wavelength dependent mirror, patterned polarizer, beamsplitter or filter.