Reflective Surface for a Photochemistry Chamber

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the first dielectric layer is comprised of a material that has a higher refractive index than the second dielectric layer within the wavelength range from 250 nm to 280 nm;

• wherein each dielectric layer is substantially transparent at wavelengths between 250 nm and 280 nm and wherein the optical thickness of each dielectric layer is one quarter of a selected wavelength between 250 nm and 280 nm and wherein the bilayers are arranged such that the high refractive index layer of a first bilayer abuts the low refractive index layer of a second bilayer, and wherein the reflectivity of the surface covering at normal incidence is at least 97% and preferably at least 99% for at least one wavelength between 250 nm and 280 nm.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein further the stack of substantially parallel bilayers further includes a single outer layer comprised of a material that is substantially transparent at the selected wavelength and has a refractive index at the selected wavelength greater than the refractive index of the abutting bilayer material and the optical thickness of said outer layer is approximately one eighth of the selected wavelength.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer is aluminum.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer is substantially transparent at wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer is comprised of glass or quartz or fused silica or glass fibers.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer includes a material that absorbs more than 20% of incident radiation for at least one wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer further includes at least two different materials that absorb radiation between 400 nm and 700 nm differently and wherein the at least two different materials are in spatially distinct regions and where the two different materials are optionally of the same thickness.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the root mean square deviation from flatness of the substrate layer over any region 1 mm×1 mm square is less than 140 nm or preferably less than 70 nm.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed into individual tiles.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate with the dielectric bilayers thereon is formed to define at least one interior surface of a room wherein the interior surface is a wall, a floor, or a ceiling.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define at least one surface of an item of furniture or an item of equipment.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define an aperture and radiation with wavelengths between 180 nm and 320 nm or between 700 nm and 2000 nm is transmitted through the aperture.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define an integral light emitting device.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define at least one integral radiation sensor operable to measure the intensity of radiation.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define a fixture for attachment to a frame.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define an adhesive layer on the rear surface, which may cover all or part of the surface.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define at least one internal or external surface of a hospital, medical facility, nursing home, residence, commercial space, or manufacturing space, garment, oven, refrigerator, or heat reflector.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the front surface of the substrate is fabricated to have a substantially smooth surface to minimize reflection at non-specular angles.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein a metallic layer is placed on the rear surface of the substrate.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to define a plurality of different spatial regions and at least two of said spatial regions have one layer of metal or pigment applied and wherein the metal or pigment applied to each spatial region is different where the pattern of pigments applied to different spatial regions of the substrate may generate a decorative pattern.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is flexible and can be bent elastically with a radius of curvature at or above a threshold radius of curvature.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is rigid and substantially planar:

• that is the radius of curvature is greater than 10 meters or is applied to or integral with a rigid block to form a planar reflector.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is cut into a plurality of sections and the sections are assembled abutting or nearly abutting to form a multi-faceted three dimensional optical surface.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the surface covering is formed to match and is bonded to a three dimensional surface.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate material is a polymer and the polymer is selected to resist degradation by UVC radiation at and proximate to the selected wavelength between 180 nm and 320 nm.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate material is a polymer and the front surface of the substrate is overlain with coating that absorbs or reflects UVC radiation between 180 nm and 320 nm such that said radiation incident on the coating layer is not incident on the polymer substrate front surface.

The method according to any preceding claim wherein the stack has a first area arranged with selected thicknesses of the layers such that the incident ray of light is reflected by the stack if the angle of incidence of the ray falls within a first predetermined range of angles and is transmitted through the stack if the angle of incidence of the ray falls in a different predetermined range of angles and the stack has a second area arranged with selected thicknesses of the layers such that the incident ray of light is reflected by the stack if the angle of incidence of the ray falls within a second predetermined range of angles different from the first predetermined range of angles and is transmitted through the stack if the angle of incidence of the ray falls in a different predetermined range of angles.