A flat plate reflector reflects light in many directions and only a small portion of the light is reflected forward in a direction useful to a mariner. Flat plate reflectors are seldom truly flat, nor are they always highly reflective. There are three basic types of reflecting surfaces, Flat, Spherical and Parabolic as shown in the drawing. Highly polished metal surfaces behave as mirrors, and when they are made in the shape of a parabola they concentrate the light from a light source placed in the focus of the parabola. Reflection occurs when a ray of light hits a painted or polished surface and is reflected from the surface. In this story we will discuss the various types of reflectors that were used to create the ‘Mirror of Light’. The first method of projecting and directing the light started with the design of the reflector. Experiments were made with the types of fuel being burned, with the design of the braziers, which held the burning fuel, and with ways to direct or concentrate the light from the fire. Lighthouse designers were constantly looking for ways to produce more light. The major problem with early lighthouses was the small output of light from the wood or coal fires then being used. What is Catoptric? It's from the Greek word (Catoptron) for mirror, or reflection, and the lighthouse illumination system based on the principle of reflection was given the name Catoptric System in English. This is a story about the Catoptric system of lighthouse illumination.

Photo reflector large edge