What is 'Mirror Gain' for a Robot Parabolic Mirror?

[Supadog]

Hi,

I've asked someone to make me a parabolic mirror for a robot and they want to know the 'mirror gain' i would like. Does anybody know what 'mirror gain' is?

thanks

 

[brewnog]

If the mirror is pointing straight back at the light source, the light will be "concentrated" if you will, onto a smaller projected area, but with a greater intensity, directly back in the direction it came. Think of the bright flash you get instantaneously from a lighthouse or fire engine warning light. The gain is just the ratio of the two intensities. (Although, depending on how you want to express the gain, it may be a log of this ratio).

 

[ravenprp]

Mirror gain refers to the amplification or magnification of the image produced by a parabolic mirror. In the context of a robot, it is important to determine the desired mirror gain in order to achieve the desired level of accuracy and precision in the robot's vision system. A higher mirror gain will result in a larger and more magnified image, while a lower mirror gain will produce a smaller and less magnified image. It is important to consider the specific needs and capabilities of the robot when determining the appropriate mirror gain. Factors such as the size and resolution of the robot's camera, as well as the distance and angle at which the mirror will be positioned, should be taken into account. It is best to consult with the manufacturer or a specialist to determine the optimal mirror gain for your specific robot and application.