For Students · Bragg Mirror
Bragg Mirror for a laser pointer
Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a laser pointer live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Bragg Mirror (DBR)Live
a mirror from interference
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A distributed Bragg reflector stacks alternating quarter-wave layers of high and low index. Their reflections add up in phase over a band of wavelengths — the stopband — creating a mirror that can exceed 99.99% reflectivity, far better than metal. More layer pairs and higher index contrast deepen the reflectivity. Used in lasers, fiber gratings, and dielectric mirrors.
Data Inspector
Peak reflectivity99.627%
Layer pairs8
Index contrast1.59
Stopband width160 nm
Governing equation
Reading this result: Each added pair multiplies the residual transmission, so reflectivity approaches 100% geometrically — a little more contrast buys many fewer layers.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for students?
- Yes — this version of "Bragg Mirror for a laser pointer" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.