Work

Some Basic Considerations on the Reflectance of Smooth Metal Surfaces: Fresnel’s Formula and More

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We review general properties of optical reflection spectra recorded from smooth solid surfaces from the infrared up to the X-ray spectral regions. Emphasis is placed on metal surfaces. Starting from a simple classical oscillator model treatment, general features of normal incidence reflection spectra are derived in a qualitative manner. This rather tutorial approach as relevant for an ideal metal surface is complemented by a broad elaboration of analytical features of realistic reflection spectra. Discussed topics include manageable dispersion formulas, the Kramers-Kronig method, oblique light incidence effects with emphasis on Azzam’s analytical relations between the Fresnel’s coefficients, as well as special spectroscopic configurations involving reflection measurements at grazing light incidence. Among the discussed grazing incidence techniques, emphasis is placed on Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy IRAS, the Berreman effect, as well as X-ray reflectometry XRR.

Source: Coatings

DOI: 10.3390/coatings16020236

Authors: Olaf Stenzel, Steffen Wilbrandt

Institutions: Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Language: English

Topic: Surface Roughness and Optical Measurements

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft