Analysis and synthesis of periodic optical resonant reflectors

Periodic resonant reflectors consisting of a periodic succession of equally spaced, uncoated, identical, optical plates are analyzed both by a matrix method known from thin film theory and by conventional electrical theory of cascaded two-ports. Simple formulas are derived for the design of resonant reflectors according to given specifications. As an example the resulting formulas are applied to design a periodic resonant reflector for a ruby laser.