Parallel waves coming in to a parabolic mirror are focused at a point F

Theory

The parabolic reflector functions due to the geometric properties of the paraboloid shape: if the angle of incidence to the inner surface of the collector equals the angle of reflection, then any incoming ray that is parallel to the axis of the dish will be reflected to a central point, or "focus". Because many types of energy can be reflected in this way, parabolic reflectors can be used to collect and concentrate energy entering the reflector at a particular angle. Similarly, energy radiating from the "focus" to the dish can be transmitted outward in a beam that is parallel to the axis of the dish. Parabolic reflectors suffer from an aberration called coma. This is primarily of interest in telescopes because most other applications do not require sharp resolution off the axis of the parabola.

History

Parabolic mirrors were first described by the Arabian physicist, Ibn Sahl, in the 10th century. It was later described again by Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) in his famous Book of Optics in 1021.^[1] John Hadley introduced parabolic mirrors into practical astronomy in 1721 when he used one to build a reflecting telescope with very little spherical aberration. (But Sir Isaac Newton made his parabolic reflecting telescope well before that in 1689. Before that, telescopes used spherical mirrors. Lighthouses also commonly used parabolic mirrors to collimate a point of light from a lantern into a beam, before being replaced by more efficient fresnel lenses in the 19th century. The diagram clearly has a ridiculous placement for the focus, the parallel incoming lines should reflect at a complementary angle not at these imaginary angles shown.

Applications

The most common modern applications of the parabolic reflector are in satellite dishes, reflecting telescopes, radio telescopes, parabolic microphones, and many lighting devices such as spotlights, car headlights, PAR Cans and LED housings.

The Olympic Flame has been lit using a parabolic reflector concentrating sunlight. Parabolic mirrors are one of many shapes for a burning-glass.

A parabolic reflector pointing upward can be formed by rotating a reflective liquid, like mercury, around a vertical axis. This makes the liquid mirror telescope possible.

Parabolic mirror wok with optical illusion

Parabolic reflectors are a popular alternative for increasing wireless signal strength. Even with simple ones, users have reported 3 dB or more gains.http://www.binarywolf.com/249/diy-parabolic-reflector.htm

References

See also

• Parabola
• Parabolic antenna
• Parabolic trough
• Paraboloid
• Spherical reflector
• Toroidal reflector
• Solar furnace

External links

• Java demonstration of a parabolic reflector
• Algorithm and spreadsheet for making a simple paraboloid: Design and make a paraboloid for use as a solar concentrator, sound mirror or microwave antenna.

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