Parabolic Mirror
Parabolic Mirrors are precision reflective optical components with a parabolic surface profile designed to focus parallel incident light to a single point, or conversely, to collimate light from a point source into a parallel beam, without introducing spherical aberration. Chenyu Optics manufactures parabolic mirrors in optical glass, fused silica and aluminum substrates, with aluminum, silver, gold or protected dielectric reflective coatings, for laser, imaging and spectroscopic systems.
Parabolic Mirror Overview
Parabolic Mirrors are precision reflective optical components with a parabolic surface profile designed to focus parallel incident light to a single point, or conversely, to collimate light from a point source into a parallel beam, without introducing spherical aberration.
Unlike spherical mirrors, which introduce spherical aberration at large apertures, a parabolic surface brings all parallel rays to an exact common focus. Parabolic mirrors are widely used in laser beam expansion and focusing systems, telescopes, spectrometers, solar concentrators and off-axis imaging systems.
Chenyu Optics supports custom parabolic mirror manufacturing according to customer drawings, including custom diameter, focal length, substrate material and coating design for prototype and repeat production.
Key Advantages of Parabolic Mirror
Laser Focusing & Telescope Systems
Parabolic mirrors are widely used for aberration-free focusing and collimation in laser systems, telescopes, spectrometers and off-axis imaging systems.
Typical Specifications of Parabolic Mirror
| Substrate Options | Optical Glass, Fused Silica, Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Optical Function | Aberration-free focusing / Collimation |
| Coating Options | Aluminum, Silver, Gold, Protected Dielectric |
| Diameter | Customized |
| Focal Length | Customized |
| Configuration | On-axis or off-axis |
| Surface Accuracy | λ/4 – λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10 / 40-20 scratch-dig |
Reflectance Curve (Typical, by Coating)
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Parabolic Mirror
Chenyu Optics focuses on drawing-based precision mirror manufacturing for laser, imaging and instrumentation systems. We support prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat manufacturing for non-standard parabolic mirrors.
Manufacturing Capability for Parabolic Mirror
Precision Figuring & Polishing
Precise parabolic surface figuring and polishing to achieve accurate focal performance and low wavefront error.
Reflective Coating
Aluminum, silver, gold and protected dielectric coating options for laser, imaging and spectroscopic applications.
Inspection & Packaging
Surface figure inspection, reflectance testing, optical performance checking and protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Parabolic Mirror
Dimensions & Focal Length
Custom diameter, focal length and on-axis or off-axis configuration can be manufactured according to customer drawings.
Substrate & Optical Quality
Substrate material, surface accuracy and surface quality can be selected according to optical performance requirements.
Coating & Wavelength Design
Aluminum, silver, gold or protected dielectric coatings can be specified according to wavelength range and application requirements.
Mirror Coating Comparison
| Aluminum | Silver | Gold | Protected Dielectric | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Reflectance | ~88–92% (UV to NIR) | ~97–98% (VIS to NIR) | ~97–98% (NIR to far-IR) | >99% at design wavelength |
| Spectral Range | UV to far-IR, broadband | Visible to far-IR | ~650 nm to far-IR | Narrowband, optimized per design |
| Durability | Good with protective overcoat | Requires protective overcoat, moderate durability | Excellent chemical stability | Excellent, hard dielectric overcoat |
| Typical Use | General-purpose broadband reflection | High-reflectance visible/NIR systems | Infrared laser and thermal systems | High-power laser, narrowband precision systems |
Applications of Parabolic Mirror
Laser Focusing & Collimation Systems
Aberration-free focusing for high-power laser systems.
Telescopes
Precision primary mirrors for astronomical and optical telescopes.
Spectrometers
Off-axis focusing for spectrometer optical paths.
Solar Concentrators
High-efficiency light concentration for solar energy systems.
Off-Axis Imaging Systems
Aberration-free imaging for off-axis optical designs.
Scientific Research Instruments
Precision mirrors for research and laboratory optical setups.
Parabolic Mirror FAQ
What is the advantage of a parabolic mirror over a spherical mirror?
A parabolic mirror brings all parallel rays to an exact common focus without introducing spherical aberration, unlike a spherical mirror.
What coating options are available for parabolic mirrors?
Common coating options include aluminum, silver, gold, and protected dielectric coatings, selected according to wavelength and reflectance requirements.
Can parabolic mirrors be used off-axis?
Yes. Off-axis parabolic mirrors are commonly used to fold the optical path and avoid beam obstruction in imaging and laser systems.
Can parabolic mirrors be customized?
Yes. Chenyu Optics provides customized diameters, focal lengths, substrate materials, and coating options.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide diameter, focal length, on-axis or off-axis configuration, substrate material, coating requirement, quantity and drawing if available.
Where can I learn more about mirror design?
Additional information on mirror design can be found from Edmund Optics.
Related Products for Parabolic Mirror
Need Custom Parabolic Mirrors?
Send us your drawing, diameter, focal length, substrate and coating requirements. Chenyu Optics will review the optical and mechanical specifications and provide a suitable parabolic mirror manufacturing suggestion.