Instrument for close-to-process light scatter measurements of thin film coatings and substrates

Scatter analysis is an effective method for the characterization of thin film components. The new highly sensitive table top system ALBATROSS-TT (3D-Arrangement for Laser Based Transmittance, Reflectance and Optical Scatter Measurement-Table Top) has been developed at the Fraunhofer Institute in Jena to meet the specific requirements for close-to-process applications. Extremely high sensitivity with a noise equivalent angle resolved scatter level of 2 x 10(-8) sr(-1), full three-dimensional spherical measurement capability, and an instrument size as small as 0.8 m x 0.8 m x 0.8 m have been achieved. Details of specifications, optical components, and software are presented, including a comparison to our laboratory system. Anisotropy analysis of diamond-turned aluminum substrates as well as substrate and coating characterization are demonstrated as examples of application.