Computer-aided design of thin-film optical devices

The paper describes a technique for the computer-aided design of optical devices which are structured from multilayer thin films. The method overcomes some of the disadvantages usually associated with the design of optical multilayer systems, such as a requirement for approximate initial designs and excessive computing time. Results are presented for both bandpass and bandstop optical filters. The design system has been planned to integrate with the requirements of a computer-controlled process for manufacturing optical devices.