Patent ID: 7025501
Filing Date: 2006-04-11
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
1. A method detecting and tracking temperature change of a sample comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample which presents with an optical axis oriented normal to a surface thereof and which demonstrates uniaxial anisotropy in that the ordinary (no) and extraordinary (ne) indicies of refraction are not equal, said ordinary (no) index of refraction being substantially parallel to said surface and said extraordinary (ne) index of refraction being substantially perpendicular to said surface, said sample further having a depth (d) directed perpendicular to said surface; b) while said sample is at a first temperature applying a polarized spectroscopic electromagnetic beam to said surface at an oblique to said surface such that it reflects from said sample and such that it experiences birefringence; c) monitoring the reflected electromagnetic radiation and therefrom effectively determining a first plot of (no−ne,)(d) vs wavelength; d) changing the temperature of said sample and similarly effectively determining a second plot of (no−ne)(d) vs wavelength; and e) detecting change in the first and second plots, and interpreting said change in terms of temperature change.