Analytic propagation matrix method for linear optics of arbitrary biaxial layered media

We present an analytic simplified form for the 4 x 4 propagation matrix of a general homogeneous biaxial layer. The expression is applicable to any li near homogeneous, absorbing, biaxial, gyrotropic, magneto-optic, arbitraril y oriented anisotropic structure. Its simple form speeds up the calculation of the optical properties of inhomogeneous anisotropic media and allows re al-time analysis of ellipsometric experimental data. A simplified analytic expression for the propagation matrix is also derived for the case of mode degeneration such as for propagation at certain angles and for the isotropi c case. Using this analytic method it is found that the time required for c alculating the propagation matrix is shorter by a factor of two than that u sing direct numerical calculation.