Visualization of optical phenomena caused by multilayer films based on wave optics

This paper proposes a method for rendering objects coated with multilayer thin films, taking into consideration multiple reflection and refraction, interference, and absorption of light inside the films. The proposed method is based on wave optics, and it can accurately visualize the optical effects of multilayer films consisting of not only dielectric materials, but also metallic and semiconductive materials. Optical properties of a SiO₂ film coating on a silicon base, and several kinds of multilayer films coating windowpanes, glasses, or teapots are visualized to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.