Mid-infrared Mueller ellipsometer with pseudo-achromatic optical elements

The purpose of this article is to present a new broadband Mueller ellipsometer designed to work in the mid-infrared range, from 3 to 14 μm. The Mueller ellipsometer, which can be mounted in reflection or in transmission configuration, consists of a polarization state generator (PSG), a sample holder...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied optics (2004) 2015-04, Vol.54 (10), p.2776-2785
Main Authors: Garcia-Caurel, E, Lizana, A, Ndong, G, Al-Bugami, B, Bernon, C, Al-Qahtani, E, Rengnez, F, de Martino, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analyzers
Beams (radiation)
Broadband
Ellipsometers
Optics
Optimization
Physics
Polarization
Reflection
Retarders
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The purpose of this article is to present a new broadband Mueller ellipsometer designed to work in the mid-infrared range, from 3 to 14 μm. The Mueller ellipsometer, which can be mounted in reflection or in transmission configuration, consists of a polarization state generator (PSG), a sample holder, and a polarization state analyzer (PSA). The PSG consists of one linear polarizer and a retarder sequentially rotated to generate a set of four optimal polarization states. The retarder consists of a biprism made of two identical Fresnel rhombs disposed symmetrically and joined by an optical contact, giving the ensemble a "V" shape. Retardation is induced by the four total internal reflections that the beam undergoes when it propagates through the biprism. Total internal reflection allows the generation of a quasi-achromatic retardation. The PSA is identical to the PSG, but with its optical elements mounted in reverse order. After a measurement run, the instrument yields a set of sixteen independent values, which is the minimum amount of data required to calculate the Mueller matrix of the sample. The design of the Mueller ellipsometer is based on the optimization of an objective criterion that allows for minimizing the propagation of errors from raw data to the Mueller matrix of the sample. The pseudo-achromatic optical elements ensure a homogeneous quality of the measurements for all wavelengths. The performance of the Mueller ellipsometer, in terms of precision and accuracy, is discussed and illustrated with a few examples.
ISSN:1559-128X
2155-3165
DOI:10.1364/AO.54.002776