Various materials are used to create polarizers, each suited for different applications based on their optical properties and the specific requirements of the application. Here are some of the most commonly used materials for making polarizers: 1. Polaroid Film Composition: Consists of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film embedded with iodine molecules. Function: When stretched, the PVA aligns in one direction, causing the iodine molecules to also align and absorb light perpendicular to their alignment, thus allowing only light waves parallel to the alignment to pass through. Usage: Widely used in photographic lenses, sunglasses, and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost. 2. Polymer Films Composition: These include films made from stretched plastics that are dyed or coated with dichroic molecules that can selectively absorb specific polarizations of light. Function: Similar to Polaroid films but often offer greater durability and different optical properties. Usage: Common in various optical devices where flexibility and durability are required. 3. Wire-grid Polarizers Composition: Made from very fine metal wires (often aluminum) laid down on a substrate material like glass or another transparent polymer. Function: The grid acts as a series of slits that block electric fields running perpendicular to the wires while allowing parallel electric fields to pass through. Usage: Effective at higher frequencies including infrared and microwave radiation; used in scientific instruments and telecommunications. 4. Calcite Crystals Composition: Natural birefringent material which splits incoming light into two polarized rays traveling at different speeds. Function: Known as Nicol prisms, these crystals can separate unpolarized light into two polarized beams by internal reflection and refraction based on polarization direction relative to the crystal axis. Usage: Used in high precision optical instruments where high-quality polarization is necessary. 5. Liquid Crystal Materials Composition: Liquid crystals that can be aligned under an electric field within certain types of displays. Function: In devices like LCDs, they control light passage based on their orientation which is manipulated by electric fields. Usage: Integral part of LCD technology found in monitors, televisions, and digital displays. Each type of polarizer material offers unique benefits and limitations depending on factors such as wavelength range, angle dependence, transmission efficiency, and environmental durability. The choice of material largely depends on the specific needs of the application it is intended for—whether it's everyday use in consumer products or specialized use in scientific research. Try to ask Applications? Cost