Abstract: A multilayer mirror for incident electromagnetic waves includes a plurality of layers having different thicknesses. The plurality of layers includes at least two materials. At least one of the materials has a non-zero absorptance at a given wavelength. In some examples, the thicknesses of the respective layers of the multilayer mirror provide the multilayer mirror with a reflectivity at the given wavelength that is greater than a reflectivity of a second multilayer mirror formed of quarter wavelength thick layers of the same materials and having the same number of layers as the multilayer mirror. In other examples, the thicknesses are selected to strike a balance between high reflectivity and another property, such as transmittance or absorptance.