Adsorption of Water Vapour on a Cleavage Surface of Lithium Fluoride

Abstract

The refractive index as well as the thickness of the adsorbed water vapor film were evaluated by a method of polarimetric analysis. A freshly cleaved surface of LiF was placed in an airtight chamber mounted on a polarization spectrometer. The relative water vapor pressure in the chamber was varied, and changes due to adsorption in the principal angle of incidence and in the amplitude reflectivity ratio for this angle of incidence were observed. (W.D.M.)