What is the shape of the reflector in a Fresnel?

• A. Spherical
• B. Parabolic
• C. Ellipsoidal
• D. Flat

Answer: (A)

The shape of the reflector in a Fresnel is spherical. This choice supports the Fresnel’s signature soft, evenly spread beam. A spherical (concave) reflector wraps around the lamp and sends light forward in many directions, which the Fresnel lens then shapes into a broad, diffused wash with a gentle edge. If the reflector were parabolic, it would tend to produce a narrow, intense, collimated beam; an ellipsoidal would create a more controlled, sharp-edged beam with a bright hotspot; a flat reflector wouldn’t efficiently redirect light toward the front. The spherical reflector provides the broad, forgiving light distribution that complements the Fresnel lens design.