Infrared characterization of surfaces and coatings by internal-reflection spectroscopy

Some problems which arise in the characterization of surfaces and coatings by internal reflection spectroscopy are described. The ir spectra of bare CaF(2) trapezoids and of ThF(4)- and ZnSe-coated trapezoids exhibit absorption bands in the same spectral region as those of H(2)O and hydrocarbon impurities. In accord with previous investigations, it is observed that the absorptance due to water is much greater in the ThF(4) films than in the ZnSe films or on the CaF(2) surfaces. These results suggest that the water is distributed throughout the ThF(4) films, whereas for ZnSe it resides primarily on the surface. In addition, a number of interesting observations on the desorption and adsorption of water and hydrocarbons to these materials are made. The experimentally observed absorptances are analyzed on the basis of the reflectance for a threelayer system. The analysis enables reasonably quantitative values for the absorption coefficient to be determined for these thin-film coatings.