Some features of the polarization characteristics of strongly absorbing helical periodic media

Results are presented on the polarization characteristics (rotation of the plane of polarization and polarization ellipticity) as a function of the layer thickness and the absorption anisotropy in strongly absorbing media having a helical structure. A strong resonancelike change in the polarization ellipticity is found as a function of the anisotropy of the absorption at frequencies of diffractional interaction of the light with the medium. A change in the sign of rotation of the plane of polarization of the light is observed as the layer thickness is varied. It is established that sign of the rotation also changes as the absorption anisotropy varies. These effects are studied under conditions of interaction of light with a half space and with a layer of medium of finite thickness. Some new features are identified in the previously observed effect wherein the absorption of radiation in media having a periodic structure decreases as the layer thickness increases. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7842(99)01408-7].