ABSTRACT
I. ELLIPSOMETRY IN INTERFACIAL BIOLOGY Ellipsometry is based on analyzing polarization changes caused by reflection of light and allows detailed optical and microstructural characterization of surfaces, thin films, and multilayers. The thickness resolution is 0.01 nm or better, and studies of layers of molecular dimensions on solid substrates is possible. As ellipsometry is based on photons in and photons out, a vacuum ambient is not needed. The technique can therefore be used directly at a solid-liquid interface, where many reactions in biology and physical chemistry take place. Besides being useful for nondestructive analysis of thin layers, ellipsometry also allows dynamic studies of film growth with a time resolution relevant for many biological processes.
