Patent ID: 7349151

Claim:
A method of using multiple layers of QWT (quarter wave thickness) thin films to form an IR (infrared) absorbing reflector, the method comprising the steps of: illuminating UV (ultraviolet), visible, and IR light on the IR absorbing reflector; reflecting greater than 95% of the visible light with a first set of QWT thin films having large differential indices of refraction; transmitting the IR light to a second set of QWT thin-films films having small differential indices of refraction that absorb particular wavelengths of IR light to obtain an overall absorption of IR light that is substantially uniform from a near IR region to a far IR region; absorbing the UV light in at least one of the first set of QWT thin-films, the second set of QWT thin-films, or an adhesion layer; and transmitting the absorbed IR light and UV light to a metallic substrate supporting the adhesion layer and first and second sets of QWT thin-films.