We describe a type of multilayer dielectric coating designed to enhanc
e the intensity of evanescent waves. The coating consists of a stack.
of alternating high- and low-index quarter-wave layers followed by a f
inal low-index layer whose thickness is chosen to optimize the evanesc
ent-wave intensity. Indirect measurements of the film properties are i
n good agreement with theory. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America