Definition of off-axis paraboloid and ellipsoid mirror

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Photonics Dictionary

off-axis paraboloid and ellipsoid mirror: Off-axis paraboloid and ellipsoid mirrors are specialized optical components used in various optical systems, particularly in applications requiring precise focusing, collimation, or imaging of light. Unlike conventional mirrors, which typically have a symmetric shape with respect to their optical axis, off-axis mirrors have their reflective surface displaced or tilted relative to the optical axis.

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Off-axis paraboloid mirror: An off-axis paraboloid mirror is a mirror whose reflective surface is shaped like a section of a paraboloid, but it is not aligned with the paraboloid's axis. Instead, the reflective surface is displaced or rotated relative to the axis, resulting in an off-axis geometry. Off-axis paraboloid mirrors are commonly used in optical systems where aberrations need to be minimized, such as telescopes and high-performance imaging systems. By placing the reflective surface off-axis, certain aberrations, such as spherical aberration and coma, can be reduced, leading to improved image quality.

Off-axis ellipsoid mirror: An off-axis ellipsoid mirror is a mirror whose reflective surface is shaped like a section of an ellipsoid, but it is not aligned with the ellipsoid's principal axes. Similar to off-axis paraboloid mirrors, off-axis ellipsoid mirrors have their reflective surface displaced or tilted relative to the optical axis. Off-axis ellipsoid mirrors are utilized in optical systems requiring precise focusing or collimation of light, such as laser systems, spectroscopy, and optical communication systems. The off-axis design helps minimize aberrations and allows for improved beam quality and optical performance.

Both off-axis paraboloid and ellipsoid mirrors offer advantages over traditional on-axis mirrors in certain optical systems, including reduced aberrations, improved image quality, and increased flexibility in system design. However, their design and fabrication can be more complex and challenging due to the off-axis geometry, requiring specialized manufacturing techniques to achieve the desired optical specifications.

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Off-Axis Paraboloid and Ellipsoid Mirrors

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