calbiterol Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I've been wondering for quite some time how double-parabolic mirrors (such as the ones for sale here and here[yes, same product, different pages]) work. Specifically, I'd like to know the issues behind image coherency and the focal points of the mirrors. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meir Achuz Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 The diagram at <http://www.optigone.com/m2000.htm> shows a ray diagram for how a real image of an object placed at the bottom appears just above the top hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calbiterol Posted August 18, 2005 Author Share Posted August 18, 2005 That only tells you the focal point of one of the parabolas, I believe - unless we are assuming that they are both identical. More importantly, that still doesn't tell me how it works. I guess a more appropriate question would be, why is the virtual image produced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meir Achuz Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Sorry, I meant a virtual image. That ray diagram is not only for a focal point. Its shows how the image of the object is produced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calbiterol Posted August 18, 2005 Author Share Posted August 18, 2005 Yeah, I see that, but it's not what I mean. I'm trying to explain it to a friend, and he doesn't think that the virtual image would be produced (I know it is, I've seen these things in action)... Can you explain to me how, exactly, the image is produced and why the image is actually there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now