Corner Reflector

A corner reflector is a Retroreflector consisting of three mutually perpendicular, intersecting flat surfaces, which returns a reflected Electromagnetic Wave to its point of origin. The three intersecting surfaces often have square shapes. This is also known as a '''corner cube'''.

Such devices are often used as Radar targets or markers and are often employed on Ship s and, especially, Lifeboat s. These normally consist of three conducting metallic surfaces or screens perpendicular to one another. In Optics , corner reflectors typically consist of three Mirror s or reflective Prism s which return an incident Light Beam in the opposite direction. Arrays of such retroreflectors are used in Bicycle reflectors, Automobile tail lights and as targets for Laser range finding. Microscopic corner reflector structures can be incorporated into reflective paint for increased visibility at night, although Retroreflective Spherical Beads are more common for this purpose.

A Directional Antenna using two mutually intersecting conducting flat surfaces is also considered to be a type of corner reflector.

Corner reflectors can also occur accidentally. Tower Block s with Balconies are often accidental corner reflectors for sound and return a distinctive echo to an observer making a sharp noise, such as a hand clap, nearby. Similarly, in radar interpretation, an object that has multiple reflections from smooth surfaces, produces a radar return of greater magnitude than might be expected from the physical size of the object.

SEE ALSO

Cat's Eyes

REFERENCES

Federal Standard 1037C in support of MIL-STD-188 and from the Department Of Defense Dictionary Of Military And Associated Terms

Information About

Corner Reflector