Abstract

Just as the dc magnetic field is excluded from a superconductor in the Meissner effect,^1,2 the exclusion of high-frequency radiation should give rise to total, reflection, in a high T_c superconductor, superreflectance (R = 100%) is theoretically shown as a direct result from vector potential formulation below the energy gap. Reflection remains strong up to the plasma frequency. The refractive indices and penetration depth of the radiation are also derived. The superreflectance mirror has yet to be made, with inhomogeneity, impurities, and less than optimal surface condition as the main obstacles. An ion beam sputtering method is proposed to coat a superconductor film on crystalline substrates. This process has reduced the surface irregularities, consistently produced 99.995% of reflectance from optical interference coatings, and holds the most potential in producing superreflectance.

© 1988 Optical Society of America