Scattering matrix method for propagation of radiation in stratified media: attenuated total reflection studies of liquid crystals

We present a new scattering matrix formalism for the modeling of electromagnetic wave propagation in stratified media. It is computationally efficient and stable and is well suited to the layer geometry that is characteristic of stratified materials. It is applied successfully to the modeling of total attenuated reflection in nematic liquid crystals with beyond-critical-angle incidence when the conventional transfer matrix methods normally fail.