Patent ID: 8493565
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An ellipsometer system comprising: a source of a beam of electromagnetism; a polarizer; a small internal volume cell comprising a sample substrate at a lower extent thereof, said small internal volume cell further comprising laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an upper extent thereof and an input/output aperture for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation affixed to a laterally positioned side thereof to allow entry and exit of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, as viewed in frontal elevation; said small internal volume cell further comprising a mirror therewithin which is positioned to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate and fluid or sample therein which is present thereupon, back toward and out of said input/output aperture; said small internal volume cell being further characterized by the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port for accumulating bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said small volume cell; such that in use, while fluid is caused to enter said input port and contact said sample substrate, then exit via said exit port, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate at or near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said input/output aperture; an analyzer; and a detector.