Design and analysis of omnidirectional solar spectrum reflector using one-dimensional photonic crystal

A one-dimensional photon crystal structure is proposed to design an omnidirectional broadband reflector. The structural parameters are optimized to reflect complete solar spectrum (0.3 to 2.3 μm) for both TE and TM polarized light. The design analysis is carried out using transfer matrix method. The structure is designed using alternate dielectric-dielectric layers of appropriate refractive indices and layer thicknesses. The proposed structure demonstrates more than 98% reflectivity for the complete wavelength range from 0.3 to 2.3 μm along with 73% emission in 8 to 13 μm, thus showing its potential as a dielectric-based reflector in applications such as daytime passive radiative coolers, and as a heliostat in concentrated solar power.