Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Ellipsometric measurements of surfaces of oxidized silicon give information on the optical properties, structure and composition of the interface between the silicon and oxide. From such measurements in ambient liquids with different refractive indices, some close to that of the oxide, we conclude that there is an interfacial layer about one nm thick at all oxide thicknesses. This layer is either a transition layer of partially oxidized silicon or a layer of silicon of higher absorption than bulk silicon. The oxide has the refractive index of vitreous silica at all thicknesses.