Modular Optical Diodes for Circular Polarization Based on Glass-Supported Cellulose Nanocrystal/Polyethylene Glycol Composite Films

Depending on processing methods and conditions, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films exhibit linear birefringence or selective Bragg reflection. The latter means reflection of light with left-handed circular polarization (LCP) due to CNC in a helicoidal microstructure of the same handedness. Herein, glass-supported CNC/polyethylene glycol (CNC/PEG) composite films with PEG concentrations in the range of 0-30% w/w with selective Bragg reflection at wavelengths from 440 to 550 nm are prepared. A modular device comprised of a dip-coated birefringent CNC-glass sample sandwiched between two CNC/PEG-glass samples shows different responses to light with LCP and to light with right-handed circular polarization (RCP). The device suppresses selective Bragg reflection from the rear (front) CNC/PEG sample for incident light with LCP (RCP), even when the birefringent film does not meet the condition for a halfwave plate. This behavior resembles the performance of optical diodes for circular polarization. Polarization properties of composite films and optical diodes in terms of degree of polarization and ellipticity are discussed within the Stokes-Mueller formalism. Electromagnetic simulations of Mueller matrices reveal the equivalence of modular and in-tandem film approaches of optical diodes. The handedness of circular polarization of light is reversed by a modular device comprised of a dip-coated birefringent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film sandwiched by two CNC/polyethylene glycol composite films. Asymmetric forward and backward propagation of circular propagation resembles an optical diode at wavelengths of selective Bragg reflection.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH