Optics
From CPFWiki
Almost all flashlights have some sort of optics, being a reflector or collimator, or possibly a combination of the two if there is more than one light source. A few lights have recessed LEDs, that are surrounded by the flashlight body material, and feature no reflector(s) or collimator(s). But generally speaking, you will find at least one of the following two types of optics in flashlights.
[edit] Reflectors
- Reflectors are the most commonly found type of optics for flashlights. They have a polished metal finish on them, and they reflect the light from the light source towards the target. Some are made smooth, and others are dimpled/stippled. The dimpled ones usually offer smoother beam patterns and come in higher quality lights, whereas the smooth ones have rougher looking beam patterns but reflect more light outwards. A few examples of reflectors are the S017XA, S027XA, S020XA, and McFlood.
[edit] Collimators
- Collimators are used only with LEDs, and they are clear plastic. They use total internal reflection of the light to adjust the beam. Both types of optics offer advantages and disadvantages, and people have different preferences. It also depends on the type of application. Examples of names of collimators are 30mm, Fraen, Fraen 30ยบ, Fraen-LP (low-profile), NX-01, and NX-05.
