Abstract: Polarizing beam splitter is disclosed. The polarizing beam splitter includes a first polymeric prism, a second polymeric prism, a reflective polarizer that is disposed between and adhered to a hypotenuse of each of the first and second polymeric prisms, and a hardcoat that is disposed on each of the first and second polymeric prisms. The polarizing beam splitter includes an input major surface and an output major surface. At least one of the input and output major surfaces has a pencil hardness of at least 3H. The polarizing beam splitter has a low birefringence such that when polarized light having a first polarization state enters the optical element from the input major surface and travels through at least 2 mm of the polarizing beam splitter and exits the polarizing beam splitter from the output major surface, at least 95% of light exiting the polarizing beam splitter is polarized has the first polarization state.

Abstract: A polarized film apparatus comprising printed bands of successively alternating polarization orientations is disclosed. The printed bands of alternating polarization orientations repeat throughout the length of the film. The polarized film can be installed in an object, for example a window where the amount of energy through the object has to be controlled. Two identical films are superimposed to create polarization patterns that can be varied when one film is displaced with respect to the other. The resulting variable polarization patterns can be utilized to control the amount of energy allowed through this arrangement. The polarized films with bands of alternating polarization orientations can be utilized to control the amount of energy for example sunlight, radiated heat transmission, illumination level, electromagnetic radiation, etc.