Why do s and p polarized lights have different phase shifts in ellipsometry?

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In ellipsometry, the complex reflectance ratio is defined by the amplitude ratio (tan(Ψ)) and the phase shift (Δ), which can be either π or 0 depending on the materials involved. The phase shifts for s and p polarized lights differ due to their interaction with the material's surface at oblique angles, leading to distinct phase changes upon reflection. This difference is crucial for accurately analyzing materials using ellipsometry. The question raised concerns whether Ψ is the only variable that changes while Δ remains constant at π or 0. Understanding these phase shifts is essential for effective ellipsometric measurements.
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Here is my situation:
According to ellipsometry theory the complex reflectance ratio can be expressed as
[PLAIN]http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2657/68578079.png
where tan(\Psi) is the amplitude ratio upon reflection and \Delta is a phase shift.
On the other hand, as far as I now, phase shift upon reflection is \pi or 0, depending on materials.
the question: is the \Psi only variable that is being changed in wide range while \Delta is either \pi or 0 in all cases.

Sorry for not following subforum format, I just could not fit my question in it.
 
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Phase shifts of pi and 0 occur at normal incidence for s or p polarized light. Ellipsometry uses oblique angles of reflections and compares the phase shifts after reflection of the two states of polarized light. See the below link for a brief tutorial of ellipsometry.

http://www.jawoollam.com/tutorial_1.html
 


So it turnes out that s and p polarized lights are phase shifted differently upon reflection.
but why? :rolleyes:
 
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