Effects of light polarization on diffracted intensity from Au-coated elastomeric gratings

Abstract

This study makes use of gratings replicated onto an elastomeric substrate and coated with a thin film of gold, subject to observations under varying degrees of mechanical strain. Effects of the polarization states of incident light are investigated: relationships between polarization of the incident light and image formation, diffracted beam intensity, and diffraction angle. Specifically, the peak of the diffracted beam’s intensity is consistently higher for horizontal than vertical polarization. Additionally, the diffraction angle approximates a decreasing linear trend when plotted against increasing strain, and similarly presents a higher initial value for horizontal than for vertical polarization. Lastly, the presence of buckling seems to affect the intensity cross-sections of the diffracted beams.