Designing reflector straight line lamp

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a parabolic reflector for a straight light tube with a diameter of 6mm and a length of 300mm, aimed at achieving a beam width of 100mm at a distance of 500-700mm. Participants recommend using a parabolic optical reflector design calculator, such as those available on NASA's website, and emphasize the importance of sketching the design. Key considerations include whether the beam should be converging, diverging, or parallel, along with acceptable variations in beam profile and material constraints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parabolic reflector design principles
  • Familiarity with optical beam characteristics (converging, diverging, parallel)
  • Basic skills in sketching and visualizing optical designs
  • Knowledge of materials suitable for reflector construction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "parabolic optical reflector design calculator" for computational tools
  • Learn about "corner reflector design" to enhance light output
  • Investigate "beam profile variation" and its implications on design
  • Explore materials for constructing optical reflectors, focusing on cost and weight
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, optical designers, and hobbyists involved in lighting design and reflector construction will benefit from this discussion.

Harry Logtenberg
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Member warned that homework questions must include a reasonable attempt.
Homework Statement
Who can help me to calculated a reflector for a straight light tube with a diameter of 6mm and a length of 300mm given a beam with a width of 100mm at a distance of 500-700mm?
Relevant Equations
I do not know.
Who can help me to calculated a reflector for a straight light tube with a diameter of 6mm and a length of 300mm given a beam with a width of 100mm at a distance of 500-700mm?
 
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:welcome: !

Did you do a little research ? Google 'parabolic optical reflector design calculator'and NASA has a nice webpage.

You of course don't want a dish but a kind of parabolic gutter. Formulas in one dimension stay the same.

And: make a sketch ! Do you want the beam to be parallel ('width of 100mm at a distance of 500-700mm') ? Or isn't that so critical ?

##\ ##
 
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You will need to specify some things about the desired result.
  1. Do you want the output to be converging, diverging, or parallel ?
  2. What is the acceptable variation in beam profile ?
  3. Do you want a faceted mirror or a curved surface (i,e. how to construct) ?
  4. Size and weight limits
  5. Material cost limits
The simplest way to triple the directed forward output is to use a corner reflector (in 2D) behind the source. This fact will drive many of the simpler design decisions.
 
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OP will need to repost this thread with their work shown if they want our tutorial help.
 

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