Patent ID: 7619736
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample information obtaining apparatus comprising: an electromagnetic wave generator configured to generate electromagnetic waves; a sample holding unit configured to provide a function of a polarizer having a polarization axis which defines how an incident electromagnetic wave is to be divided according to a polarization state of the incident electromagnetic wave, the sample holding unit being configured to hold a sample to be tested; an electromagnetic wave detecting unit configured to separately detect a transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the sample holding unit and a reflected electromagnetic wave reflected off the sample holding unit, the transmitted electromagnetic wave and the reflected electromagnetic wave being obtained by dividing the incident electromagnetic wave propagating from the electromagnetic wave generator and made incident on the sample holding unit, according to a relative positional relationship between the polarization state of the incident electromagnetic wave and the polarization axis of the sample holding unit; and a processor configured to process signals of the transmitted and reflected electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detecting unit and obtain information about the sample.