Patent ID: 7365853
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A measuring method that utilizes attenuated total reflection, comprising the steps of: causing a p-polarized light beam to enter a measuring unit, constituted by: a dielectric block, which is transparent with respect to the p-polarized light beam; and a thin film layer, which is formed on a surface of the dielectric block and which is placed in contact with a sample, at various angles of incidence, such that total internal reflection conditions can be obtained at an interface between the dielectric block and the thin film layer; detecting a light intensity distribution of the p-polarized light beam, which is totally internally reflected at the interface; measuring a state of attenuated total reflection, based on the light intensity distribution; a reference light intensity distribution of p-polarized light, in which a state of attenuated total reflection is not present, being obtained in advance; each distribution value of the detected light intensity distribution being divided by each distribution value of the reference light intensity distribution to generate attenuated total reflection data; the state of attenuated total reflection being measured, based on the total attenuated reflection data; and storing the measured attenuated total reflection state in a memory.