Polarization-selective beam splitter by a sandwiched grating

We describe a polarization-selective beam splitter by a sandwiched grating, which can fulfill the high efficiency element for TE polarization and the two-port output for TM polarization. The modal method and the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) are employed together to optimize the polarization-selective beam splitter. According to the modal method, the grating duty cycle and period are discussed to analyze the physical mechanism of such a dual-function element. Using RCWA, grating depth and thickness of the covering layer are accurately optimized to design such a polarization-selective beam splitter. With the optimized grating duty cycle, period, depth and covering layer thickness, TE polarization can be mainly diffracted in the –1st order and two-port output can be achieved for TM polarization in the 0th and the –1st orders. The polarization-selective beam splitter should be a useful element in a variety of applications with advantages of high efficiency, wideband property, and dual functions based on a sandwich grating.