To examine the polarimetric Bidirectional Scatter Distribution Function (BSDF) of samples in the mid-wave infrared
(MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR), a full Stokes polarimetric optical scatter instrument has been developed which
is tunable from 4.3-9.7 microns through the use of six external-cavity quantum-cascade lasers. The polarimeter is
realized through a dual-rotating-retarder configuration, which allows full Mueller-matrix extraction over the tunable
wavelengths. Optical characterization of the polarimeter components was conducted to establish performance baselines
for the system. The dynamic range of the system is nine orders of magnitude.
A unique tunable polarimetric scatterometry system has been developed by upgrading a Schmitt Measurement
Systems Complete Angle Scatter Instrument (CASI) to produce a Dual-Rotating-Retarder full-Mueller-matrix
polarimeter. The system has been enhanced by automation, addition of multiple, tunable, laser light sources, an
improved sample positioning and orientation interface, and enhanced data-analysis software. A primary application of
this system is the characterization of novel nano- and micro-structured materials, such as photonic crystals, plasmonic
structures and optical meta-materials, which often display very narrow-band performance. The ability to characterize
these materials both at and away-from their resonances is a clear advantage. The specific project goals are to
demonstrate (1) a novel nano- and micro-structured-material-characterization full-polarimetric-diffuse-ellipsometry
technique suitable to measure desired material properties with stated uncertainty limits for novel optical material
structures of interest, and (2) the incorporation of predictive computational codes that estimate the electro-magnetic
property values for novel nano- and micro-structured-material designs and concepts of interest.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.