The Fresnel lamp, often used in stage lighting, is pronounced fre-nel. The spelling is derived from the name of its inventor, Augustin-Jean Fresnel. The first syllable, "fre", is pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in the word "freckle." The second syllable, "nel," uses a French pronunciation with a silent "s" and a nasal "n" sound. IPA transcription for the word "Fresnel" is /fʁɛnɛl/. Whether you're an actor or a lighting technician, it's crucial to know the correct spelling and pronunciation of this important piece of equipment.
A Fresnel lamp is a type of lighting fixture that utilizes a Fresnel lens for directing and controlling the light output. It is commonly used in theatrical and stage lighting, as well as in film and television production. The term "Fresnel" refers to the design of the lens used in these lamps, named after its inventor, French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel.
The Fresnel lens in a Fresnel lamp is characterized by its stepped or grooved surface, which helps to achieve a concentrated and focused beam of light. This specialized lens design allows for more efficient light output compared to traditional lenses, as it reduces the total amount of material used for the lens while still maintaining its optical qualities. The stepped structure of the lens serves to redirect light rays and gather them at the focal point, resulting in a powerful and controlled light beam.
Fresnel lamps are typically composed of a lamp housing that contains the light source, such as an incandescent bulb or a halogen lamp. The housing also incorporates the Fresnel lens in front, which helps to shape and direct the light. The lamp may also feature adjustable shutters or barn doors that allow for further control over the light output by manipulating its shape and direction.
Overall, a Fresnel lamp is a lighting tool that utilizes a specialized Fresnel lens design to produce a concentrated and focused beam of light, often used in theaters, film, and television production for its versatility and controllability.
The word "Fresnel" in "Fresnel lamp" is derived from the name of its inventor, Augustin-Jean Fresnel. Augustin-Jean Fresnel was a French physicist and engineer who lived from 1788 to 1827. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of optics, specifically in the field of light diffraction and wave theory. Fresnel designed and developed a type of lens known as a Fresnel lens, which is characterized by its compact thickness and the incorporation of multiple small grooves on its surface. The Fresnel lens revolutionized the field of optics and light concentration, making it highly applicable in various devices and applications, including lamps. Consequently, a lamp incorporating a Fresnel lens is referred to as a "Fresnel lamp" in honor of the inventor.