Synthesis of controlled semi-reflecting multilayer broad band mirrors

Broad-band dielectric multilayer mirrors formed by staggering achromatic periods are developed here to reach multilayer systems of controlled reflectance as well as band width. The basic theory and the complete synthesis procedure are presented for the design of multilayer mirrors with controlled reflectance. Six designs with different reflectance levels, ranging from 44% up to 90%, average reflectance over the whole visible region, are presented. These broad mirrors are useful in many research experiments of interferometry and spectroscopy.