Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges

Any calculation of thin film optical spectra requires the formulation of certain model assumptions. In general, those model assumptions concern geometrical features as well as material properties. We review important facets of the thin film optics’ “standard model” that provides the basis of general...

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Main Authors: Olaf Stenzel, Steffen Wilbrandt
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/4/2187
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author Olaf Stenzel
Steffen Wilbrandt
author_facet Olaf Stenzel
Steffen Wilbrandt
author_sort Olaf Stenzel
collection DOAJ
description Any calculation of thin film optical spectra requires the formulation of certain model assumptions. In general, those model assumptions concern geometrical features as well as material properties. We review important facets of the thin film optics’ “standard model” that provides the basis of generally accepted relevant modern spectra calculation routines. Moreover, we discuss phenomena arising when certain model assumptions are violated. Examples are provided by the Goos–Hänchen shift, the polarization leakage, interaction with partially coherent light, rough surfaces, as well as the emergence of thickness-dependent, time-dependent, or non-linear optical material parameters. Corresponding challenges in coating characterization and design are discussed, and future prospects are identified.
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spelling doaj-art-6521d566fb69407a8f29e2cbc854ee3e2025-08-20T03:11:58ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-02-01154218710.3390/app15042187Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and ChallengesOlaf Stenzel0Steffen Wilbrandt1Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, GermanyFraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, GermanyAny calculation of thin film optical spectra requires the formulation of certain model assumptions. In general, those model assumptions concern geometrical features as well as material properties. We review important facets of the thin film optics’ “standard model” that provides the basis of generally accepted relevant modern spectra calculation routines. Moreover, we discuss phenomena arising when certain model assumptions are violated. Examples are provided by the Goos–Hänchen shift, the polarization leakage, interaction with partially coherent light, rough surfaces, as well as the emergence of thickness-dependent, time-dependent, or non-linear optical material parameters. Corresponding challenges in coating characterization and design are discussed, and future prospects are identified.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/4/2187optical coatingsoptical spectrathin film model
spellingShingle Olaf Stenzel
Steffen Wilbrandt
Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
Applied Sciences
optical coatings
optical spectra
thin film model
title Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
title_full Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
title_fullStr Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
title_full_unstemmed Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
title_short Theoretical Aspects of Thin Film Optical Spectra: Underlying Models, Model Restrictions and Inadequacies, Algorithms, and Challenges
title_sort theoretical aspects of thin film optical spectra underlying models model restrictions and inadequacies algorithms and challenges
topic optical coatings
optical spectra
thin film model
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/4/2187
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AT steffenwilbrandt theoreticalaspectsofthinfilmopticalspectraunderlyingmodelsmodelrestrictionsandinadequaciesalgorithmsandchallenges