Modification of incoherent scattering under the influence of system eigenmodes

TL;DR

This study investigates how system eigenmodes influence incoherent scattering in inhomogeneous CeO2 films, revealing a specific angle where scattering and absorption increase due to Fabry-Perot resonances, enabling reflection control.

Contribution

It demonstrates the modification of incoherent scattering through excitation of Fabry-Perot modes in inhomogeneous films, combining experimental and numerical analysis.

Findings

Identification of an incidence angle with increased scattering and absorption

Correlation of the angle with Fabry-Perot resonator mode excitation

Potential for tuning reflection properties of inhomogeneous films

Abstract

The optical properties of inhomogeneous cerium dioxide (CeO2) films on aluminum (Al) sublayer are investigated. The dependencies of the reflection, scattering, and absorption of coherent electromagnetic radiation as functions of the incidence angle and polarization are studied. The experimental and numerical studies show the existence of an incidence angle at which the scattering and absorption of coherent radiation with s-polarization increase simultaneously and the specular reflection becomes just about a few percents. The angle corresponds to an excitation of Fabry-Perot resonator modes. This effect opens up great prospects for manipulation (tuning) of the reflection from the inhomogeneous films.