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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Automatic null ellipsometry with an interferometer.
1Department of Physics, University of Auckland, P.B. 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. l.watkins@auckland.ac.nz
This study introduces a novel automatic null ellipsometry technique, replacing traditional analyzers with a heterodyne interferometer for faster, iterative measurements. The new method accurately determines thin film properties, matching conventional ellipsometry results.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Traditional null ellipsometry (polarizer compensator sample analyzer - PCSA) relies on iterative measurements.
- Accurate characterization of thin films is crucial for semiconductor and optical industries.
- Existing methods can be time-consuming and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new, non-iterative automatic null ellipsometry approach.
- To enhance the speed and simplicity of ellipsometric measurements.
- To validate the accuracy of the novel technique against established methods.
Main Methods:
- Replaced the analyzer in a PCSA ellipsometer with a heterodyne Michelson interferometer.
- Modified one interferometer arm to produce a stable, linearly polarized reference beam.
- Interferometrically recombined beams and spatially separated polarizations to analyze fringe phase and amplitude.
Main Results:
- The relative phase of temporal fringes directly correlated with the polarizer angle, enabling non-iterative nulling.
- The reflected light's azimuthal angle was easily determined from fringe amplitude at null.
- Measurements on silicon native oxide films showed excellent agreement with traditional PCSA ellipsometry.
Conclusions:
- The heterodyne interferometer-based approach offers a faster, iterative-free method for automatic null ellipsometry.
- This technique provides accurate thin film characterization comparable to conventional ellipsometers.
- The new method simplifies the process of determining optical properties of materials.

