Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Compact ellipsometer employing a static polarimeter module with arrayed polarizer and wave-plate elements
Takashi Sato1, Takeshi Araki, Yoshihiro Sasaki
1Photonic Lattice, Inc., Aoba Incubation Square, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan. sato@photonic-lattice.com
A new portable ellipsometer utilizes a compact static polarimeter for rapid, repeatable measurements of thin silicon dioxide films. This technology offers potential for integration into manufacturing equipment.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Metrology
Background:
- Ellipsometry is a crucial technique for characterizing thin films.
- Existing ellipsometers can be bulky and expensive, limiting their application in manufacturing.
- There is a need for compact, fast, and repeatable ellipsometry solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a portable and compact ellipsometer module.
- To demonstrate high repeatability and measurement speed.
- To assess the potential for integration into manufacturing equipment.
Main Methods:
- Development of a portable static polarimeter.
- Utilizing an arrayed polarizer, arrayed wave plate, and CCD image sensor.
- Measurement of silicon dioxide (SiO2) films on silicon (Si) wafers.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high level of repeatability in measurements.
- Demonstrated a fast measurement speed of 0.3 seconds.
- Successfully measured SiO2 films with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 300 nm.
Conclusions:
- The developed portable ellipsometer with a compact static polarimeter is effective for thin film characterization.
- The system exhibits excellent repeatability and speed, suitable for industrial applications.
- Integration of optical source and receiver can lead to an ultracompact module for diverse manufacturing and measurement instruments.
Related Concept Videos
Polar Equations of Conics
Measuring Reaction Rates
Graphs of Polar Equations
Polar Coordinates: Problem Solving
Polar Coordinate System
Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor

