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

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SUMMARY

In ellipsometry, the complex reflectance ratio is defined by the amplitude ratio (tan(Ψ)) and the phase shift (Δ), where Δ can be either π or 0 depending on the materials involved. At normal incidence, both s and p polarized lights exhibit these phase shifts, but ellipsometry operates at oblique angles, revealing that s and p polarized lights experience different phase shifts upon reflection. This difference is crucial for accurate measurements in optical characterization of materials.

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  • Understanding of ellipsometry theory and its mathematical representation.
  • Familiarity with polarized light concepts, specifically s and p polarization.
  • Knowledge of phase shifts in optics, particularly in relation to reflection.
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geo_alchemist
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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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