Optical resonances in multilayer structures

Theoretical research in optics may be divided in two distinctive but well connected general directions. The first deals with developing new or improving existing mathematical models to describe relevant physics. The second aims to predict new phenomena or applications using established models and techniques. This thesis touches both directions through the study of resonances in optical multilayers. Optical multilayers are structures periodic in their properties in one direction. They have been longstanding subject of investigation. Nonetheless, both fundamental and applied research in multilayer optics is still important due to the relevance of multilayer structures for optical systems. The introduction of specific defects in otherwise periodic configurations enables effective tailoring of the optical transmission properties. Equally important, novel materials give additional degrees of freedom for the implementation of desired functionalities as well as the exploration of new physical phenomena. Besides, knowledge gained from an investigation of multilayer structures may serve as a basis for the interpretation and the qualitative understanding of higher dimensional optical structures