Metal dielectric composite optical coatings: Underlying physics, main models, characterization, design and application aspects

Metal island films are a matter of research in different branches of applied physics and technology. One possible future application field is their use as a substantial part of optical interference coatings, forming metal-dielectric composite multilayer coatings. This tutorial provides background on optical specifics of metal island films and ideas how these specifics could be exploited in coating technology. Consideration is given to effective optical constants of copper and silver island films, characterization methods and design strategies pursuing neutral density filters, asymmetric beamsplitters and decorative coating specifications.