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The parabolic reflector functions due to the geometric properties of the paraboloid shape: if the angle of incidence to the inner surface of the collector equals the angle of reflection, then any incoming ray that is parallel to the axis of the dish will be reflected to a central point, or " Focus ". Because many types of energy can be reflected in this way, parabolic reflectors can be used to collect and concentrate energy entering the reflector at a particular angle. Similarly, energy radiating from the "focus" to the dish can be transmitted outward in a beam that is parallel to the axis of the dish.

John Hadley introduced parabolic mirrors into practical Astronomy in 1721 when he used one to build a Reflecting Telescope with very little Spherical Aberration . Before that, telescopes used Spherical mirrors. The most common applications of the parabolic reflector are in Satellite Dish es, Telescope s (including radio telescopes), Parabolic Microphone s, and many Lighting devices such as Spotlight s, Car Headlights , PAR Cans and LED housings.

Parabolic reflectors suffer from an Aberration called Coma . This is primarily of interest in telescopes because most other applications do not require sharp resolution off the axis of the parabola.

The Olympic Flame is lit using a parabolic reflector concentrating Sunlight .

with Optical Illusion ]]
A toy consisting of two parabolic mirrors that are put together like a Wok Pan and a lid with a hole in it, gives the Optical Illusion that something is on the lid, but actually it is at the bottom of the pan below.


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