Broadband high-reflection multilayer coatings at oblique angles of incidence

The angular properties of various wideband high reflectors are investigated. The theory is developed for the design of high reflectors based on contiguous quarter-wave stacks for use at one oblique angle or for a range of angles of incidence. Numerical results are presented for several high reflectors designed to have a high reflectance in the 0.4-0.8-mum spectral region for use at 50 degrees and with angles of incidence ranging between 0 degrees and 50 degrees . A random error perturbation analysis shows that such layer systems can be produced experimentally.