Abstract

When the E vector of linearly polarized incident light is oriented in a direction given by a clockwise rotation, ψ (0 <ψ<π/2), from the plane of incidence when looking back into the source, then the reflected light is right-elliptically polarized. Conversely, when the E vector of linearly polarized incident light is oriented in a direction given by a counterclockwise rotation, ψ (0>ψ>π/2), from the plane of incidence when looking back into the source, then the reflected light is left-elliptically polarized. The result holds for any metal and any angle of incidence.

© 1971 Optical Society of America

Handedness of Polarization after Total Reflection of Linearly Polarized Light

W. Swindell
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62(2) 295-295 (1972)

Biaxial Crystal Optics*

Jin Au Kong
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(1) 49-52 (1971)

Unified Analysis of Ellipsometry Errors Due to Imperfect Components, Cell-Window Birefringence, and Incorrect Azimuth Angles*

R. M. A. Azzam and N. M. Bashara
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(5) 600-607 (1971)

Matrix-Operator Description of the Propagation of Polarized Light through Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

A. S. Marathay
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(10) 1363-1372 (1971)

Depolarization of Plane-Polarized Light by Light-Guiding Frog Rods

W. Wijngaard
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(9) 1187-1189 (1971)