  A scattering polarizer is created by subjecting a polymer dispersed liquid
crystal (PDLC) film to tensile strain. The optomechanical properties of the
film are investigated by simultaneously measuring the stress-strain and
polarization dependent optical transmission characteristics. The correlation
between transmittances of two orthogonal polarizations and the stress-strain
curve reveals that the polymer orientation as well as the droplet shape
anisotropy influences the liquid crystal alignment within the droplets. A
Monte-Carlo simulation based on the Lebwohl-Lasher model is used to explain the
subtle influence of polymer orientation on liquid crystal alignment.
