Attenuated Total and Internal Reflection Correction Based on Fresnel's Equations: Beyond the Low Absorption...

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional attenuated total reflection (ATR) correction methods often fail for materials with high oscillator strength due to the low absorption assumption.
• Existing formalisms limit the analysis of ATR spectra to specific material properties and experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel iterative formalism for ATR correction that overcomes the limitations of existing methods.
• To enable accurate spectral analysis for materials with high oscillator strength.
• To extend the applicability of ATR correction to internal reflection conditions at subcritical angles.

Main Methods:

• Development of an iterative formalism based on the perpendicular component of the wavevector and Fresnel's equations.
• Ensuring compatibility with wave optics for a comprehensive theoretical framework.
• Validation of the method's accuracy, noting limitations near critical and Brewster's angles.

Main Results:

• The proposed iterative formalism successfully corrects ATR spectra for materials with high oscillator strength, overcoming the low absorption assumption.
• The method is applicable to both attenuated total reflection and internal reflection spectra at subcritical incidence angles.
• Accuracy is maintained except in proximity to the critical angle and Brewster's angle.

Conclusions:

• The new iterative formalism provides a more versatile and accurate approach to ATR spectral correction, particularly for challenging materials.
• This advancement expands the utility of ATR spectroscopy in various scientific disciplines.
• The availability of a corresponding program facilitates straightforward application of the developed method.