US Patent 7027671 Polarized-light-emitting waveguide, illumination arrangement and display device comprising such

A side-lit illumination arrangement comprises a polarized-light-emitting waveguide comprising a polarization-selective beam-splitting interface formed at an interface of a waveguiding layer and a polarization-selection layer. In order to avoid alignment problems occurring during the manufacture of the waveguide which impair the proper functioning of the polarization-selective beam-splitting interface, the polarization-selective beam-splitting interface is planar. Waveguided light polarized and transmitted by the polarization-selective beam-splitting interface into the polarization-selection layer is coupled out by a relief-structured surface via an exit surface. Display devices having such waveguides, in particular if used in a front light, have a high brightness and efficiency.