A low-cost, ultra-wide range infrared polarizer

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Description/Abstract

There is a shortage of convenient, low-cost, wide-range infrared polarizers. Only wire grid devices are available to cover the entire mid- and far-infrared region, several high-cost polarizers being needed to cover the full spectral range, with limited performance. It is shown that a 'pile-of-plates' polarizer suitable for use in Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers can be constructed from semiconductor grade silicon (resistivity exceeding 10 Omega cm, n-type preferably float-zone silicon) which can be used from about 1.2 mu m to above 250 mu m. 'Optical grade' silicon is not reliably suitable for use in the far infrared. The polarizer is ideal for use with some lasers (He-Ne 1.52 or 3.39 mu m lines, CO, HF, DF and diodes) but it is not suitable for carbon dioxide lasers of significant power.