FURI | Spring 2019

Accidental Bragg Reflectors

When creating thermal insulating films, it was discovered that they produce colors. Since the films had layers, it was concluded that they were acting as Bragg reflectors- mechanisms with layers of varying refractive indices that produce colors. To determine if these can be replicated purposely, it first was necessary to see if the films could be modeled. Using a computer program called MacLeod, the films’ properties such as layer thickness and refractive index could be modified based on the measured transmission. Bragg reflectors have many purposes such as lasers and the internet. Enhancing the creation process could improve their applications.