An optical polarizer includes a dielectric substrate and a number of elongated dielectric ridges positioned or disposed in spaced relation on a surface of the substrate. Each dielectric ridge has a length direction, curved or straight, that extends along the surface of the substrate. Each dielectric ridge also includes a pair of spaced sides that extend away from the surface of the substrate and a top extending between the spaced sides opposite the surface of the substrate. Each side of each dielectric ridge includes an electrically conductive coating.