Broadband Dielectric Mirrors

Broadband dielectric mirrors, composed of multiple thin layers of different transparent optical materials carefully engineered for specific optical properties, provide high reflectance over a broad wavelength range.

Why Choose Dielectric

A dielectric mirror can provide higher reflection over a desired wavelength than even the best quality metallic mirrors—sometimes even exceeding 99%. This near-total reflection minimizes energy loss in optical systems, thus enhancing system performance and reducing the risk of thermal damage.

How Dielectric Mirrors Work

The secret to how dielectric mirrors work lies in their composition: dielectric coatings applied to a substrate, such as fused silica. Light reflects at each dielectric interface, and the resulting constructive interference leads to a total reflection exceeding 99 percent. Consequently, the mirror is optimized for use with a specific wavelength of light, making it less versatile than mirrors with broader reflectivity. In contrast, laser line mirrors offer high reflectivity only for a very narrow wavelength range.

Dielectric mirrors are often designed for a specific angle of incidence, typically either 45 or 0 degrees.

Applications

Broadband dielectric mirrors are the preferred optic for numerous beam steering and beam folding applications across the UV, visible, and NIR spectrums. They find use in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and laser systems.

Furthermore, they can be customized for specific spectral wavelengths.

For example, one popular wavelength range is 320-450 nm. More wide ranges, such as 400-750 nm or 750-1100 nm, are also feasible. Ti: Sapphire lasers may necessitate optimization for the 650 to 1100 nanometer wavelength range. This can be accomplished using a set of broadband dielectric mirrors, often offered as a kit. Alternatively, good reflection can be attained with an ultra mirror designed for that specific wavelength range.

In laser setups, a resonator mirror is typically chosen to be dielectric, either broadband or laser line. These mirrors are favored due to their high reflectivity and their ability to transmit undesirable pump light out of the system through their less reflective wavelength bandwidths.

Custom Broadband Dielectric Mirrors at Avantier

At Avantier, we manufacture custom broadband dielectric mirrors for a diverse clientele. These mirrors deliver ultra- high reflectivity over desired spectral ranges. We are capable of producing mirrors with high surface flatness, low damage thresholds, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. These mirrors are meticulously designed to meet the unique requirements of our clients, and we take pride in our history of delivering high-quality optics for even the most challenging applications.

In-stock optics are a suboptimal choice when you require broadband dielectric mirrors due to the intrinsic customizability of these optics. Let us know how we can work with you to help you achieve your ideal optical system. Call us today to place your custom order or schedule an introductory consultation with one of our experienced optical designers.