Optical Parameters of Super-large Cylindrical Mirrors

Focal length (f)

It is the distance from the point where parallel rays converge or diverge after passing through the cylindrical mirror to the center of the mirror surface.

Positive and negative: For a concave cylindrical mirror (converging), the focal length is negative; for a convex cylindrical mirror (diverging), the focal length is positive.

Unit: meters (m) or centimeters (cm). 

Radius of curvature ®

It describes the degree of curvature of the mirror surface. The smaller the radius, the more curved the surface; the larger the radius, the flatter the surface.

Formula: f = R/2 (approximate relationship). 

Cylinder power (or diopter)

It represents the refractive power of the cylindrical mirror for light and is used to correct astigmatism.

Unit: diopter (D). For example, “+2.00 DC” indicates a convex cylindrical mirror with a power of 2.00. 

Axis

It refers to the direction of the cylindrical mirror, usually expressed in degrees (e.g., 0° - 180°), which determines the direction for astigmatism correction. 

Aperture (D)

It is the diameter of the cylindrical mirror, which affects the coverage range, as well as the volume and weight.

Unit: millimeters (mm) or centimeters (cm). 

Material

Commonly used materials include optical glass and crystals (such as K9, quartz, germanium, etc.), which affect the light transmittance, refractive index, and heat resistance. 

Surface accuracy

It refers to the flatness of the surface. High accuracy can reduce light scattering and distortion. 

Application fields

Laser technology, lighting systems, barcode scanning, microscopic imaging, optical information processing, etc.