Can You Print Polarizing Filters on Glass or Plastic Substrates?

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In summary, there are two possible printing technologies that can create small enough parallel lines for a polarizing filter: desktop printing for far infrared or longer wavelengths, and ion-beam milling for visible light. However, it is also possible to polarize light through reflection using Brewster's angle. Polaroid invented a process to align crystals on plastic for polarizing filters.
  • #1
RogerInHawaii
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Is there any printing technology that can print small enough parallel lines on, say a glass or clear plastic substrate, that would make it a polarizing filter?
 
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  • #2
Sure- you can do it with a desktop printer. Except the useable wavelength will be in the far infrared or longer.

For visible light, you could probably do it with ion-beam milling- people are doing cool things with that technology:

http://eprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk/12109/
 
  • #3
Excellent! Now, a follow-up question: Does the light actually have to pass through a filter in order for it to get polarized? If you just printed suitably thin, suitably spaced lines on a surface and reflected light off of it, would the light get polarized?
 
  • #4
Reflection of light is another way to alter the polarization properties. You don't need anything special; taking advantage of Brewster's angle will do.
 
  • #5
For what is worth Polaroid invented the process to make polarizing filters. Everyone knew that certain crystals polarized light and these could be glued to plastic but no one knew how to align all the crystals in one direction. What Polaroid did was to spread the crystals on the plastic and then stretch the plastic. This aligned all the crystals.
 

1. What are printable polarized filters?

Printable polarized filters are thin, transparent sheets that contain microscopic crystals that align in a specific direction to block certain types of light waves. They are used to reduce glare and improve contrast in various optical devices such as sunglasses, camera lenses, and LCD screens.

2. How are printable polarized filters made?

Printable polarized filters are typically made by embedding microscopic crystals, such as iodine or herapathite, into a polymer film. The crystals are then aligned in a specific direction using a process called stretching, which creates a polarizing effect.

3. What are the advantages of using printable polarized filters?

Printable polarized filters have several advantages, including reducing glare from reflective surfaces, improving contrast and clarity, and protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays. They are also lightweight and can be easily customized to fit different optical devices.

4. How do you use printable polarized filters?

To use a printable polarized filter, simply attach it to the surface of the optical device, such as a lens or screen, with adhesive. It is important to ensure that the filter is aligned correctly with the light source to achieve the desired polarizing effect.

5. Can printable polarized filters be recycled?

Yes, printable polarized filters can be recycled. The polymer film used in the filters can be melted down and reused, while the crystals can be extracted and used for other purposes. However, it is important to check with your local recycling center for proper disposal instructions.

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