In this paper, a numerical simulation of the traditional graded distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and a design of the novel DBR with short period superlattices (SPSs DBR) used by vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are reported. First, the optical characteristic matrix of the graded DBRs is derived using the theories of thin film optics. Second, its reflective spectrum is numerical simulated and it is found that the simulative results are similar with the experimental data. The difference of the cavity mode position between the experimental and simulative data is discussed. Finally, based on the simulative results of graded DBR, a novel DBR with 4.5-pair GaAs/AlAs SPSs is designed, and its reflective spectrumis numerical simulated and analyzed.