The theory of attenuated total reflection by surface polaritons on one-sided corrugated thin films

The experimental techniques of attenuated total reflection (ATR) and grating coupling were originally employed separately as probes for polaritons. The combined technique of these methods into a single probe is a very versatile tool for probing elementary surface excitations. A theoretical investigation of this single probe for surface polaritons, ATR-grating coupling, is undertaken. The emphasis is on the calculations of first-order diffuse reflectivities, which arise due to the presence of a classical grating. More specifically, the ATR set-up in the Otto configuration is considered and for ease of presentation of the results, a classical grating is thought to be deposited on only one interface of a surface-active thin-film specimen. The discussion highlights the advantages the combined technique has over either of the two methods when each is employed on its own