Patent ID: 8339603
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An ellipsometer or polarimeter system which comprises a first dual reflection surface means selected from the group consisting of: first and second separate reflection surfaces; and a single element having first and second reflection surfaces; configured to provide a polarized output beam in an “X”-“Z” plane, by redirecting an input beam which enters thereinto along a “Y” axis, in an “X”-“Y”-“Z” axis coordinate system, said first dual reflection surface means further serving to substantially compensate any effects on beam polarization state entered by a first beam direction reflection therewithin, by effects of a second beam directing reflection therewithin, a mechanism thereof being that an effect of the first reflection on a p or s component of a polarized beam in the dual reflection surface means configuration, is canceled by a similar effect in the second reflection on an s or p component, respectively; said first dual reflection surface means being characterized in that projected planes of the first and second reflection surfaces thereof simultaneously: intersect the “Y” axis and the “Z” axis but not the “X” axis at a single point thereof, and intersect the “X” axis and the “Z” axis but not the “Y” axis at a single point thereof, respectively, and in that said second reflection surface is translated from the first reflection surface along the “Z” axis as said first dual reflection surface means is viewed in frontal elevation; said first dual reflection surface means being mounted to allow rotation about a locus of the input beam to alter an angle at which the output beam exits from the second reflection surface in said “X”-“Z” plane.