Field and energy distribution of a standing wave inside a dielectric mirror over a wide spectral range

Computer calculations are used to investigate the properties of multilayer dielectric mirrors over a wide spectral range greater than the width of the region of high reflection. Distributions of the electric field and radiation energy over the coating thickness are obtained. These determine the spectral dependences of the optical strength and loss factor of the mirror. Recommendations are given on the optimum use of dielectric mirrors. A method is proposed to determine small loss factors of high-reflection dielectric mirrors. This involves measuring, with normal photometric accuracy, the reflection and transmission coefficients at two resonance points close to the high-reflection plateau, where the mirror loss factor is more than an order of magnitude higher than its value in the region of maximum reflection.