Multi-layered mirrors fabricated by spin-coating organic polymers

Multi-layered mirrors were fabricated by spin coating of two kinds of polymers. Optical thickness of each layer could be so controlled as to be equal to a quarter of a designed wavelength by adjusting the concentrations of the solutions and rotation speed of the spinner. Increase of the number of layers fabricated through a simple repetitive process of spin coating solutions and drying solvents resulted in the increase of the reflectivity at the designed wavelength. The mirrors possessed the reflectivity higher than 99%. The polymeric multi-layered mirrors were used for the first time as the output couplers of a microchip Nd3+:YVO4 laser. The low-cost polymeric multi-layered films will be used for optically and electrically functional applications that cannot be realized by inorganic ones. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.