Enhanced light reflection by dye monolayers at the air–water interface

Abstract

The reflection of light from an air–water interface is enhanced by dye containing monolayers in the spectral region of the dye absorption. The intensity of the reflected light depends linearly on the density of chromophores in the mixed monolayer. From the measurement of both absorption and reflection spectra of a dye containing monolayer the damping constant of coherent light scattering can be estimated. The value of the reflection measurement for the investigation of adsorption processes and the control of monolayer organization is demonstrated.