A scattering polarizer is created by subjecting a polymer dispersed liquidcrystal (PDLC) film to tensile strain. The optomechanical properties of thefilm are investigated by simultaneously measuring the stress-strain andpolarization dependent optical transmission characteristics. The correlationbetween transmittances of two orthogonal polarizations and the stress-straincurve reveals that the polymer orientation as well as the droplet shapeanisotropy influences the liquid crystal alignment within the droplets. AMonte-Carlo simulation based on the Lebwohl-Lasher model is used to explain thesubtle influence of polymer orientation on liquid crystal alignment.
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