Patent ID: 7265839
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A spectroscopic ellipsometer or polarimeter system comprising: a polarization state generator for providing a spectroscopic beam of electromagnetic radiation in a known state of polarization; a first mirror; a substantially triangular shaped prism comprising an upward facing surface and an apex located centrally therebeneath from which first and second sides project upwardly to the left and right to the point that they meet said upward facing surface; a sample in direct contact with said upward facing surface of said substantially triangular shaped prism; a second mirror; and a polarization state detector for analyzing a spectroscopic beam of electromagnetic radiation; which are oriented such that a beam of spectroscopic electromagnetic radiation provided by said polarization state generator is caused to impinge on said first or second mirror and is directed thereby to enter said first or second side, respectively, of said substantially triangular shaped prism along a locus which is normal thereto, reflect internally from said upward facing surface and exit said second or first side, respectively, of said substantially triangular shaped prism along a locus which is substantially normal thereto, then reflect from said second or first mirror, respectively and proceed into said polarization state detector.