The Optics of Reflectors for Illumination

Although lens optics are a highly sophisticated and extremely advanced technology, nonimaging reflector optics for illumination only have been strangely neglected until very recently. The author's book The Optical Design of Reflectors that first appeared in 1974 is the only extant book covering this important subject comprehensively. In the past most reflector forms other than elementary parabolic or elliptical shapes have been produced by crude heuristic and empirical shop procedures, even by some of the most technically advanced American manufacturers. The mathematics of relatively simple reflector geometries of the types most commonly needed are presented. Simple examples illustrate the derivation of curves for circular reflectors designed to any beam specification, even for completely arbitrary beam shapes. Alternative ray-tracing and graphical integration methods are given. References provide sources from which complicated and highly sophisticated asymmetric reflector designs can be accomplished. Compensation for large or elongated light sources by means of the phantom light center is covered. Some visual background material is included to guide designers in matters of glare avoidance as well as other relevant physiology of the human eye.