Abstract: A polarized light-emitting waveguide for use in an edge-lit lighting arrangement has polarization-selective outcoupling means including at least a volume hologram for selectively diffracting waveguided light towards the exit surface of the waveguide with high contrast and efficiency. The light emitted by the waveguide is selectively emitted to one side thereof, highly polarized, highly collimated and may be homogeneously distributed across the exit surface. Also, light emission may be normal or near-normal to the exit surface. If combined with light recycling means the contrast, brightness and/or efficiency of the edge-lit illumination arrangement may be further increased.

Abstract: A multi-layered arrangement according to the invention provide emission of polarized light. At least one of the interfacing surfaces between the layers is provided with a microstructure. In one embodiment, a first layer in the form of a lightguide substrate (401) receives unpolarized light from a lamp (420). A birefringent second layer (402) is provided with a microstructure (410) in the form of parallel grooves. On top of the birefringent layer a third layer (403), i.e. a coating layer, is located. Light is outcoupled by way of selective Total Internal Reflection, TIR, at the micro-structured surface of the birefringent layer, yielding a highly linearly polarized emission at near normal angles. The polarized light may be emitted out through the coating or in an opposite direction through the lightguide, which in an advantageous manner allow any configuration of transmissive (backlight), transflective (backlight) or reflective (frontlight) display arrangement.