Omnidirectional Dielectric Reflectors

Abstract

Classic multilayer dielectric reflectors are considered in section 3.3.2 of this book. In is shown that the classic designs of such mirrors have some disadvantages despite very low losses, like a limited wavelength range of reflection bands and the dependence of the spectral position of the reflection band on the angle of incidence. However, very recently it was found ([8]), that by using different design rules, it is possible to create a multilayer dielectric structure that offers metallic-like omnidirectional reflectivity together with frequency selectivity and low-loss behavior typical for multilayer dielectric reflectors. This chapter is devoted to the discussion of such a multilayer structure. To understand how such a structure works, it will be useful to understand Bloch waves and band structures of periodic multilayer media.