Metallized photoresist grating as a polarizing beam splitter

We propose and demonstrate the use of a simple holographic relief photoresist grating covered with an aluminum film as a reflecting polarizing beam splitter. The polarizing effects were achieved as a result of the nonsinusoidal profile of the grating. The best parameters of the gratings for optimizing the polarizing-beam-splitting properties were found by the introduction of the experimental profiles in diffraction calculation software. Theoretical and experimental results are presented, confirming the feasibility of the element.