Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-30-2008

Abstract

The pseudo-Brewster angle ϕpB of minimum reflectance for p-polarized light and the principal angle ϕ¯ at which incident linearly polarized light of the proper azimuth is reflected circularly polarized are considered as functions of the complex relative dielectric function ε of a dielectric–conductor interface over the entire complex ε plane. In particular, the spread of ϕ¯for a given ϕpB is determined, and the maximum difference (ϕ¯−ϕpB)max is obtained as a function of ϕpB . The maximum difference (ϕ¯−ϕpB)max approaches 45° and 0 in the limit as ϕpB→0 and 90°, respectively. ForϕpB<22.666° , multiple principal angles ϕ¯i , i=1,2,3 , appear for each ε in a subdomain of fractional optical constants. This leads to an elaborate pattern of multiple solution branches for the difference ϕ¯i−ϕpB , i=1,2,3 , as is illustrated by several examples.

Journal Name

Journal of the Optical Society of America A

Comments

This paper was published in Journal of the Optical Society of America A and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website:http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josaa/abstract.cfm?URI=josaa-25-11-2858. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

Share

COinS