Optical activity measurement using Mueller matrix ellipsometry

Abstract

This master thesis is focused on the Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of the optically active materials. The first part is devoted to the rigorous theoretical description of the optical activity using Condon-Fedorov approach. The effect of material symmetry on the optical activity is discussed. We propose a novel Mueller matrix ellipsometry method of the saccharide solution optical activity measurement within the spectral range from 193~nm to 1700~nm. The mutarotation rate constants are obtained with high accuracy. We extend the standard Woollam RC2 Mueller matrix ellipsometer using a homemade temperature control system. The theoretical description of the optical activity in quartz waveplate including the model of Mueller matrix is proposed.