Circular polarization filters made of chiral sculptured thin films: experimental and simulation results

Thin-film helicoidal bianisotropic medium (TFHBM) layers with large local l inear birefringence are fabricated using the serial bideposition technique. The viability of axially excited TFHBM layers as circular polarization fil ters is experimentally demonstrated. The presence of index-matched cover an d substrate media is shown to enhance the filter performance of a TFHBM lay er. A thinner TFHBM layer is required for adequate performance when the loc al linear birefringence is higher. (C) 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instru mentation Engineers. [50091-3286(00)02007-9].