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A Focusing Property of the Ellipse

From Natural Philosophy Wiki
Scientific Paper
TitleA Focusing Property of the Ellipse
Author(s)Marc Frantz
Keywordsamplification, ellipse, focusing, parallel rays, reflection
Published1994
JournalElectric Spacecraft Journal
Number12
Pages25-28

Abstract

In this article, which first appeared in the American Mathematical Monthly, Frantz uses mathematics to establish and quantify a focusing property of ellipses. Potential areas of application include solar energy collection, laser technology (and possibly longitudinal wave amplification). Some experimenters may find the math tedious; however, others will appreciate the detailed proof. The italicized paragraph (page 27) and summary (page 28) may suffice for experimenters wanting to know the practical significance.