  A remarkable property of one-dimensional all-dielectric periodic structures
has recently been reported, namely a one-dimensional lattice can totally
reflect electromagnetic wave of any polarization at all angles within a
prescribed frequency region. Unlike their metallic counterpart, such
all-dielectric omnidirectional mirrors are nearly free of loss at optical
frequencies. Here we discuss the physics, design criteria and applications of
the thin-film all-dielectric omnidirectional mirror. The experimental
demonstration of the mirror is presented at optical frequencies.
