| Sumario: | We report on the results of computationally designing and optimizing multilayer mirrors for broadband reflectivity in a region spanning from the vacuum ultraviolet to the infrared. Such a mirror would open up new possibilities for future space observatories. Because of the immense number of possible layer combinations and thicknesses for a multilayer mirror, we automated the mirror selection process with a genetic algorithm. Starting with a random object population within the simulation, a genetic algorithm iteratively selects and mutates the best portion of a population of objects that fit given design criteria to create a new population; this can be repeated as many times as desired. Our genetic algorithm yielded a high broadband reflectance mirror, which was then optimized via gradient search within the program. We found that placing a few layers under an aluminum coating can significantly increase extreme ultraviolet reflectivity, which would give access to important spectral lines such as that of the dominant He-II transition.
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