The current two major non-numerical design methods, equivalent layers and polynomial synthesis, are reviewed and compared. The equivalent layer method works well when only a small number of fixed refractive indices is available. This is the case when the coating is manufactured by evaporation. Polynomial synthesis generates a priori better designs but does not allow predetermination of refractive indices. So, for evaporation, the designs have to be translated from many refractive indices to a few. This process generally downgrades the design. This translation is not necessary when sputtering or chemical vapor deposition is being used. Here, in-between refractive indices can easily be generated by mixing or flip-flopping. As a consequence, superior designs can be implemented.
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