Thin-film polarizer based on a one-dimensional-three-dimensional-one-dimensional photonic crystal heterostructure

The recent experimental demonstration of polarization stop bands in three-dimensional dielectric circular-spiral photonic crystals is extended in two ways. First, the combination with a one-dimensional set of lamellae on one side allows for poor-man's optical isolators or for thin-film polarizers-depending on from which side light impinges onto the device. Second, a chiral three-dimensional photonic crystal sandwiched between two one-dimensional sets of lamellae acts as a thin-film polarizer from both sides. Corresponding polymeric heterostructures are fabricated by means of direct laser writing. Their performance is compared with theory. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.