SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1990
STP26499S

Investigation of Thin Films Using Total Internal Reflection Microscopy

Source

The application of total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) to the inspection of subwavelength optical features on surfaces has been well documented.1–3 This paper discusses recent experiments testing the feasibility of using TIRM to study dielectric coatings in the nucleation stage. Samples were coated with thin films of different thicknesses to allow optical scattering levels to be determined as a function of coating thickness. An increase was observed in scatter levels with increasing coating thickness, and is assumed to be related to thin film microstructure. Thus, TIRM provides a means of detecting film defects in the early stages of coating growth, as well as identifying possible precursors to nodules that are often observed in thin and thick films.

Author Information

Williams, FL
Carniglia, CK
Pond, BJ
Stowell, WK
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E13
Pages: 299–308
DOI: 10.1520/STP26499S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5157-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-4478-1