Spherical Mirrors ‒ Reflector

The reflector is a key component of a headlamp, designed to direct light in a specific direction for optimal illumination. It includes a concave mirror placed behind the light source to reflect light that would otherwise scatter in unintended directions. To produce a parallel light beam, the mirror is shaped like a parabola, with the light source positioned at its focal point. The light source, usually a bulb, is connected to a power source through a switch that controls the headlamp's on/off function. Light emitted from the bulb's filament radiates in all directions. When the light beams strike the mirror's surface, they are reflected according to the law of reflection, forming a parallel beam of light. Light rays that pass directly through the protective glass form a cone-shaped luminous flux, while those reflected by the mirror create a cylindrical beam with a high luminous flux. By adjusting the shape and position of the lamps and reflectors, vehicles can be equipped with different lighting functions, such as low beam lights, high beam lights, and daytime running lights.