Single-Layer Nanowire Polarizer Integrated With Photodetector and Its Application for Polarization Navigation

We report a method of integrating the single-layer nanowire polarizers with photodetectors, and the fabricated device is used as the polarization navigation sensor. The fabrication processes mainly based on nanoimprint lithography and dry etching. The fabrication method can fabricate nanogratings with multi-orientation simultaneously, so angular alignment error is eliminated. The external quantum efficiency of the integrated device is tested, and a peak external quantum efficiency of 23% at around 440 nm is achieved. The indoor angle output experiment of a navigation sensor is investigated, and the angle output error is tested to be within ±0.1°. The outdoor angle output experiment has also been tested, and the errors are less than ±1.5°. The measurement results show that the fabricated device is suitable for polarization navigation.

I. Introduction

The science of navigation has played an important role for human throughout history. Among all the navigation technologies [1], [2], polarization navigation [3]–[9] has gained more and more attention because it has many unique advantages, such as undisturbed by artificial interference, without accumulation of time, etc. Recently, several polarization navigation sensors have been constructed [3]–[6]. The sensor usually contains light filter, polarizers, light receptors, and the related circuits. Most of the polarization navigation sensors use discrete components, however, using discrete parts may increase system size and lead to angular alignment error. The integration of polarizers and light receptors can conquer these problems.