Hybrid polarizing beam splitter

Abstract

Polarizing beam splitters and systems incorporating such beam splitters are described. More specifically, hybrid polarizing beam splitters and systems with such beam splitters that incorporate polymeric reflective polarizers aligned with MacNeille or wire grid reflective polarizers are described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optical system comprising a hybrid reflective polarizer comprising adjacent first and second reflective polarizers, such that in a same wavelength range, the first and second reflective polarizers reflect light having a same first polarization state and transmit light having a same second polarization state substantially orthogonal to the first polarization state, the first reflective polarizer comprising inorganic dielectric layers or a wire grid, the second reflective polarizer comprising polymeric layers, such that when an incident light of the optical system in the wavelength range is incident on the hybrid reflective polarizer, the incident light is first incident on the first reflective polarizer if the incident light has the first polarization state and first incident on the second reflective polarizer if the incident light has the second polarization state. 
     
     
         2 . The optical system of  claim 1  further comprising a polarization rotating reflector making an oblique angle with the hybrid reflective polarizer. 
     
     
         3 . The optical system of  claim 1 , wherein the second reflective polarizer comprises alternating polymeric layers having different refractive indices. 
     
     
         4 . The optical system of  claim 1 , wherein the first reflective polarizer comprises inorganic dielectric layers. 
     
     
         5 . The optical system of  claim 1 , wherein the first reflective polarizer comprises a wire grid. 
     
     
         6 . The optical system of  claim 1 , wherein the first polarization state is a linear polarization state. 
     
     
         7 . The optical system of  claim 1 , wherein the second polarization state is a linear polarization state. 
     
     
         8 . The optical system of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive disposed between the first and second reflective polarizers.