English

A Minkowski-style theorem for focal functions of compact convex reflectors

Differential Geometry 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

This paper continues the study of a class of compact convex hypersurfaces in Euclidean space Rn+1, n1R^{n+1}, ~n \geq 1, which are boundaries of compact convex bodies obtained by taking the intersection of (solid) confocal paraboloids of revolution. Such hypersurfaces are called reflectors. In R3R^3 reflectors arise naturally in geometrical optics and are used in design of light reflectors and reflector antennas. They are also important in rendering problems in computer graphics. The notion of a focal function for reflectors plays a central role similar to that of the Minkowski support function for convex bodies. In this paper the basic question of when a given function is a focal function of a convex reflector is answered by establishing necessary and sufficient conditions. In addition, some smoothness properties of reflectors and of the associated directrix hypersurfaces are also etablished.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.math/0612757,
  title  = {A Minkowski-style theorem for focal functions of compact convex reflectors},
  author = {Vladimir Oliker},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0612757},
  year   = {2007}
}

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15 pages