One-dimensional planar photonic crystals including fluoropolymer compositions and corresponding fabrication methods

One-dimensional planar photonic crystals having at least one dielectric layer comprising a fluoropolymer are described. The photonic crystals generally include repeating layers having alternating dielectric layers, where ate least one of the dielectric layers includes a fluorinate polymer. The photonic crystals can have relatively few repeating layers while maintaining desirable reflectance. The photonic crystals can be formed with specifically adapted spin-coating techniques to promote uniformity of the thicknesses of the dielectric layers. In some embodiments, the dielectric layers can be plasma treated to improve the structural integrity of the photonic crystal as well as to promote a more homogenous interface between dielectric layers. The one-dimensional photonic crystals can also provide desirable amounts of thermal shielding in the near infrared.