Advances in polymeric Cartesian polarizing beamsplitters and light engines employing them

3M Polarization Beam Splitter (PBS) technology has been shown to be the most light efficient solution to the needs of LCOS projection. It also provides very high contrast and extremely uniform dark states without the use of lead in the glass prisms. We report on recent improvements in contrast performance, increased understanding of the effects of pupil shape and size on contrast, effects of temperature on optical performance, and improved photostability. We also suggest new light-engine architectures employing the 3M PBSs with associated light budget analyses.