Abstract

The status of inhomogeneous thin films is reviewed, in particular from the viewpoint of uses of optical interference coatings. Analytical and numerical calculation methods are treated and applied to a survey of the general properties of these films, including their suitability as starting designs for multilayer filters consisting of homogeneous films. Next, theoretical and experimental work on homogeneous mixtures, which is the basis for the fabrication of inhomogeneous films, is reviewed together with the various approaches used to fabricate mixtures and inhomogeneous films. After treating optical methods of characterization of inhomogeneous films, existing and potential applications are reviewed.

© 1986 Optical Society of America