Mirror and a method of making the same

The present invention relates to mirrors for use in various applications, including, for example, free space optical communication systems. A reflective element, such as a mirror, includes a substrate and a reflective layer formed thereon. The substrate comprises at least one thixotropic metal alloy, which is injected into a mold to form the shape desired for the reflective element. The reflective element may also include an interface layer comprising a thermoset material, such as an epoxy resin, formed between the substrate and the reflective layer to increase the smoothness of the substrate.