Practical Determination of Optical Constants from Spectral Measurements

Optical constants are specific properties of condensed matter that allow to describe in a simple way the interaction of light or other electromagnetic radiation with matter. There is always a requirement for optical constants values for estimating colour, reflection, internal total reflection, refraction, scattering, phase shifting, multilayer properties, or thin film thickness. This book is concerned with the practical determination of optical constants from easily accomplishable reflectance or transmittance measurements with reflectometers or ellipsometers. It provides information on the basics of optical constants and a comprehensive overview on models for optical constants. A brief overview on methods of measurement and evaluation is followed by guidelines to the practical determination of optical constants mainly of thin films on a substrate. The main task is always to find the best suited model for the parametrization of the optical constants. Michael Quinten works as Head of R&D Sensors at FRT GmbH in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. During his academic period from 1983 to 2000 he obtained his diploma degree and Ph. D. in physics at the University of Saarland, Saarbruecken, Germany, and joined the Technical University RWTH Aachen for habilitation. In 2001 he joined the ETA-Optik GmbH, Germany, where he first worked in research and development of integrated optics components and later became product manager in the Colour and Coatings Division. In 2007 he moved to FRT GmbH where he is responsible for the optical sensor technology division. Based on comprehensive knowledge in solid state physics, nanomaterials, and optical sensor technology, he authored more than 50 scientific publications with several topics and three books.