Parabolic reflector

About: Parabolic reflector is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3375 publications have been published within this topic receiving 30735 citations. The topic is also known as: paraboloid reflector & paraboloidal reflector.

An overview of near-field antenna measurements

Abstract: After a brief history of near-field antenna measurements with and without probe correction, the theory of near-field antenna measurements is outlined beginning with ideal probes scanning on arbitrary surfaces and ending with arbitrary probes scanning on planar, cylindrical, and spherical surfaces. Probe correction is introduced for all three measurement geometries as a slight modification to the ideal probe expressions. Sampling theorems are applied to determine the required data-point spacing, and efficient computational methods along with their computer run times are discussed. The major sources of experimental error defining the accuracy of typical planar near-field measurement facilities are reviewed, and present limitations of planar, cylindrical, and spherical near-field scanning are identified.

Comparison of solar concentrators

Abstract: Even though most variations of solar concentrators have been studied or built at some time or other, an important class of concentrators has been overlooked until very recently. These novel concentrators have been called ideal because of their optical properties, and an example, the compound parabolic concentrator, is being tested at Argonne National Laboratory. Ideal concentrators differ radically from conventional instruments such as focussing parabolas. They act as radiation funnel and do not have a focus. For a given acceptance angle their concentration surpasses that of other solar concentrators by a factor of two to four, but a rather large reflector area is required. The number of reflections varies with angle of incidence, with an average value around one in most cases of interest. In order to help provide a rational basis for deciding which concentrator type is best suited for a particular application, we have compared a variety of solar concentrators in terms of their most important general characteristics, namely concentration, acceptance angle, sensitivity to mirror errors, size of reflector area and average number of reflections. The connection between concentration, acceptance angle and operating temperature of a solar collector is analysed in simple intuitive terms, leading to a straightforward recipe for designing collectors with maximal concentration (no radiation emitted by the absorber must be allowed to leave the concentrator outside its acceptance angle). We propose some new concentrators, including the use of compound parabolic concentrators as second stage concentrators for conventional parabolic or Fresnel mirrors. Such a combination approaches the performance of an ideal concentrator without demanding a large reflector; it may offer significant advantages for high temperature solar systems.

Directive photonic-bandgap antennas

Abstract: This paper introduces two new photonic bandgap (PBG) material applications for antennas, in which a photonic parabolic reflector is studied. It is composed of dielectric parabolic layers associated to obtain a PBG material. The frequency gap is used to reflect and focus the electromagnetic waves. This device has been designed using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) code. FDTD computations have provided the theoretical reflector's directivity. These results are in good agreement with measurements, and it appears that the PBG reflector presents the same directivity as a metallic parabola. A second application uses a defect PBG material mode associated with a metallic plate to increase the directivity of a patch antenna. We explain the design of such a device and propose experimental results to validate the theoretical analysis.

Led light assembly

Abstract: An light source utilizes a parabolic reflector to collimate light emitted from at greater than a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis of an LED arranged at the focus of the reflector. An optional collimating lens is arranged to collimate light emitted at less than the predetermined angle. Both variations provide light in the form of a substantially collimated beam. The parabolic reflector is preferably extended along its focal point to form a linear parabolic section having a linear focal axis. A linear array of LEDs is arranged such that the linear focal axis passes through the area of light emission of each LED. The linear parabolic section may be provided with parabolic dish ends. Alternatively, the ends of the parabolic section may be left open for increased wide angle visibility.