Overview of variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE): I. Basic theory and typical applications

Abstract

Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) is important for metrology in several industries, and is a powerful technique for research on new materials and processes. Sophisticated instrumentation and software for VASE data acquisition and analysis is available for the most demanding research applications, while simple to use software enables the use of VASE for routine measurements as well. This article gives a basic introduction to the theory of ellipsometry, references “classic” papers, and shows typical VASE applications. In the following companion paper, more advanced applications are discussed.