Re: light gathering vs diameter of reflecting spheres

[Helmut Dersch <der@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Charles Stumpfel wrote:
> 
> 
> I'd like to understand the how reflectors might be used for panoramic
> imaging.
> 

Images from convex spherical mirrors can be remapped to
the standard cylindrical panorama formats using my free
software 'Panorama Tools'. See my website for examples
of Macropanoramas using this technique.

Try also Versacorp, BeHere, and Cyclovision for commercial
systems.

> 
> How does the diameter of a reflecting sphere affects light gathering? 

> 
> Does anyone know of a supplier for precision ball bearings larger than 1"
> in diameter?  

Ball bearings don't have optical grade sufaces. Much better results
can be obtained by using 'real' spherical mirrors. These are
manufactured using glas lenses, which are coated with aluminum.
Most lens manufacturers sell almost any size and shape, eg
Newport and Spindler&Hoyer, where I got mine from.

Helmut Dersch

-------------------------------------
Spherical Panoramas, Macro Panoramas, 
Free Panorama Software, 
Mailing List "Immersive Imaging":
<http://www.fh-furtwangen.de/~dersch>