Aconic reflector
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An aconic reflector refers to a light energy reflector that is not defined by a mathematical equation.[1]
Overview
[edit]Most light energy reflectors are based on conic sections such as parabolas, ellipses and circles. Aconic reflector is a generic term used to explain a reflective curve outside these groups. It literally means not conic.[2] They are usually created with the intention of generating a specific result not achievable using conic curves. At times they are created using combinations of definable curves but not always.[3] Modern light tracing software can generate curves using impact angles to generate a point cloud to define a required shape.
Application
[edit]Aconic reflectors are used in ultraviolet light UV curing devices to smooth light density for a more uniform curing pattern. They can be used to mask hot spots generated by the lamp envelope and cold areas created by shadows. They can be used to illuminate a specific shape at a given distance. Examples include a search light reflector that is intentionally designed to generate a divergent beam, or a reflective curve with the intention of generating an aesthetic light effect.[3]
If the reflective surface of a component is defined by a point cloud instead of being defined by a mathematical equation, it is likely an aconic reflector.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Aconic Reflectors | Optiforms, Inc". www.optiforms.com. 2016-03-02. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ Ries, Harald; Muschaweck, Julius (2002-03-01). "Tailored freeform optical surfaces". JOSA A. 19 (3): 590–595. doi:10.1364/JOSAA.19.000590. ISSN 1520-8532.
- ^ a b "U.S. Patent for Reflector and illumination system Patent (Patent # 5,682,448 issued October 28, 1997) - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ "U.S. Patent for Optical coupler and method utilizing optimal illumination reflector Patent (Patent # 5,857,041 issued January 5, 1999) - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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