Ultra-long Cylindrical Mirrors

The specific optical parameters cover multiple aspects. Here are detailed explanations of some key parameters:

1. Focal length (f)

Definition: The focal length is the distance from the point where parallel rays converge or diverge after passing through the cylindrical mirror to the center of the cylindrical mirror.

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

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

2. Radius of curvature ®

Definition: It refers to the degree of curvature of the cylindrical mirror surface. You can imagine bending a part of a circle into the shape of the mirror, and the radius of this circle is the radius of curvature of the cylindrical mirror.

Influence: The smaller the radius of curvature, the more curved the mirror surface; the larger the radius of curvature, the flatter the mirror surface.

3. Cylinder power

Definition: It describes the strength of the cylindrical mirror’s ability to refract light and is often used to correct astigmatism.

Representation method: On an optometry form, “-” or “+” is commonly used to indicate a concave or convex cylindrical mirror, followed by a numerical value and “DC” to represent the cylinder power.

Influence: The higher the power, the stronger the refraction of light in a certain direction, and the greater the degree of light bending.

4. Axis

Definition: It refers to the direction of the cylindrical mirror. You can imagine the eye as a clock face, and the axis is the direction from 1 to 12 o’clock.

Importance: It is very important for accurately correcting astigmatism because the direction of astigmatism can vary from person to person.

5. Aperture (D)

Definition: It is the diameter of the cylindrical mirror, that is, the distance from one side of the lens to the other.

Influence: The larger the aperture, the larger the field - of - view that the lens can cover, but at the same time, the weight and volume of the lens may also increase.

6. Material

Common materials: Optical glass, crystals (such as germanium, silicon, zinc selenide, quartz, K9, etc.).

Characteristics: Different materials have different properties such as light transmittance, refractive index, and heat resistance.

7. Surface accuracy

Definition: It refers to the smoothness and flatness of the lens surface.

Importance: High surface accuracy can reduce light scattering and distortion and improve the imaging quality.

8. Application fields

Common applications: Laser technology, lighting systems, barcode scanning, microscopy and imaging systems, optical information processing, etc.