Parabolic Mirrors Types and Styles

Delve into the world of the parabolic mirror

Parabolic mirrors have been around for a while--the first use may have been by Sir Isaac Newton in the 1700s. Its shape has been designed specifically to "capture energy and focus it to a single point." Parabolic mirrors are generally made of glass that has low expansion. One of the most common uses of the parabolic mirror is in a telescope.

There are various parabolic mirror types and styles.  These parabolic mirrors can be industrial parabolic mirrors, a parabolic telescope mirror or a parabolic reflector:

1. Off-axis parabolic mirrors

2. On-axis parabolic mirrors
 
3. Custom parabolic mirrors

 

Learn about the off-axis parabolic mirror

The off-axis parabolic mirror is a parabolic mirror with a small section cut from it. These parabolic mirrors can be available off-axis at 30°, 60° or 90°, which means you can focus light at a specific angle. Often the suppliers of off-axis parabolic mirrors sell a mounting plate for their mirrors, as well. They are called parabolic reflectors because they "focus reflected light to a focal point off-axis."
Try: Edmund Optics Worldwide is a parabolic mirrors manufacturer that makes off-axis mirrors. Photonics Online is another source for off-axis parabolic mirrors.

Learn about on-axis parabolic mirror

The parabolic primary mirror or on-axis parabolic mirror is often a parabolic telescope mirror. The parabolic telescope mirrors are very difficult to make and must be perfectly smooth to be completely accurate.
Try: On-axis parabolic mirrors can be found at Hampton Controls and Nu-Tek Precision Optical Corporation.

Choose the custom parabolic mirror

Perhaps you cannot find a parabolic mirror that suits your needs. Or maybe you need a parabolic mirror that's an atypical size. Custom manufacturers can design parabolic mirrors that fit within specific instruments or optical devices.
Try: JML Optical Industries and LEI Optics are two custom parabolic manufacturers.

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