- #1
Skypuppet
- 2
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These seems like an easy question, but I have found nothing online:
Does the size and distance of the virtual image produced by an off-axis parabolic mirror vary as a function of the off-axis angle, or will it be the same as the parent parabola?
Specifically, I am trying to create a simple off-axis collimated display which produces a virtual image of a certain size and distance. Can I simply ray trace the virtual image produced by the parent parabola on-axis, and presume the size and distance will be the same when viewed off-axis? If not, then how do I ray trace or otherwise calculate the virtual image off-angle to determine its size and distance? (The object to be reflected is a flat screen display pointed in the direction of the off-axis angle.)
Does the size and distance of the virtual image produced by an off-axis parabolic mirror vary as a function of the off-axis angle, or will it be the same as the parent parabola?
Specifically, I am trying to create a simple off-axis collimated display which produces a virtual image of a certain size and distance. Can I simply ray trace the virtual image produced by the parent parabola on-axis, and presume the size and distance will be the same when viewed off-axis? If not, then how do I ray trace or otherwise calculate the virtual image off-angle to determine its size and distance? (The object to be reflected is a flat screen display pointed in the direction of the off-axis angle.)