Low-frequency Fresnel mirrors for fluorescence detectors

In this work we present several designs of a Fresnel mirror with small number of rings (low frequency) to be used in fluorescence detectors aimed for study of ultra high energy cosmic rays. Being segmented the Fresnel mirror has an advantage of simple development from a compact package to a “plane” large area mirror-concentrator. This advantage is important for detectors in space and detectors at remote mountain sites. In this work, we investigated four possible ways of generating a focusing surface. In the first (main) design, the mirror consists of sections belonging to several parabolic surfaces. In this case the best focusing of a source on optical axis is achieved––the Fresnel mirror operates as parabolic mirror. This design is the best for a space “telescope”, observing a source from large distances. Close to this design are mirror options with sections of a common parabolic surface and with sections of several spherical surfaces. The simplest for construction is the mirror with sections of a common spherical surface. In this design, focusing of a source on optical axis is much poorer than in previous options, but the mirror may be used in the experiments needed a wide field of view (FOV) with rough angular resolution. An advantage of this design is simplicity of the mirror construction which is shown in the mirror prototype construction and its testing. Results of the focal spot measurements are presented. This simple design of the Fresnel mirror is planned for use in the Pico de Orizaba mountain hybrid array where the wide field of view is important.