What is 'Mirror Gain' for a Robot Parabolic Mirror?

AI Thread Summary
Mirror gain refers to the ratio of light intensity concentrated by a parabolic mirror compared to the intensity of the incoming light source. When the mirror is oriented towards the light source, it focuses the light onto a smaller area, increasing intensity in that direction. This phenomenon can be likened to the bright flash from a lighthouse or emergency vehicle light. The gain can be expressed as a simple ratio or as a logarithmic value, depending on the context. Understanding mirror gain is essential for optimizing the performance of robotic applications utilizing parabolic mirrors.
Supadog
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Hi,

I've asked someone to make me a parabolic mirror for a robot and they want to know the 'mirror gain' i would like. Does anybody know what 'mirror gain' is?

thanks
 
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If the mirror is pointing straight back at the light source, the light will be "concentrated" if you will, onto a smaller projected area, but with a greater intensity, directly back in the direction it came. Think of the bright flash you get instantaneously from a lighthouse or fire engine warning light. The gain is just the ratio of the two intensities. (Although, depending on how you want to express the gain, it may be a log of this ratio).
 
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