On the determination of anisotropy in polymer thin films: A comparative study of optical techniques

Abstract

We have used seven different techniques to measure the anisotropic refractive index of poly(vinylcarbazole) films. These techniques are: two types of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) with multiple sample analysis, Interference enhanced VASE, Transmittance combined with VASE, Polarised Reflectance, beta-scan VASE, and prism coupling. We have found the average ordinary and extraordinary indices at 633 nm to be no = nTE = 1.675 ± 0.008, and ne = nTM = 1.722 ± 0.018, respectively, consistent amongst methods and conclusive on the magnitude of Δn in polymer films. (Graph Presented) © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.