Fourier Transform Polarization Spectroscopy

Abstract

The transmission and reflection properties (optical response) of systems of homogeneous phases a r e determined by their optical constants and the system geometry. Given such information, the optical response of a system can always be calculated in principle, and for simple geometries fairly readily in practice. The problem arises in attempting to icvert this process and determine the optical constants (and sometimes the geometry as well) from measurements of the optical response. This article reviews recent developments in the determination of the spectra of the optical constants of both isotropic and linearly anisotropic condensed phases and thin films via Fourier transform (Ft) spectroscopy.