Discrete-Fourier-transform approach to inhomogeneous layer synthesis.

A new approach to inhomogeneous layer synthesis is proposed that differs from the classical Fourier transform methods. This approach, based on the wave-number discretization of the continuous Q function, is described together with the relationship between the smoothness of the inhomogeneous layer’s refractive-index profile, the complexity of the target reflectance specification, and the total optical thickness of the layer. An iterative procedure is introduced to overcome the inaccuracy connected with the approximate Q-function representation. Some control features of the Q-function phase are studied, and numerical examples are given.