Incandescent - Reflector Lamps

Updated
30-IX-2018
Although the first incandescent lamps having reflector-shaped bulbs were created in the 1890s, the available technologies for the production of reflective coatings, as well as the understanding of optics and correct profiling of the reflector surface, made the early lamps quite ineffective and they were rarely used. The modern generation of reflector lamps did not emerge until the 1930s when a new technique for creating mirror coatings was developed, combined with the parallel introduction of scientifically-designed bulb shapes to optimise the optical performance. Later developments in glass forming processes enabled a significant performance increase with the introduction of pressing instead of blow-moulding techniques. Some of the key steps in the evolution of reflector incandescent lamps are featured on this page.

Blown Reflector

GE

1000W

High Wattage lamp with Compound Reflector
~1955

Atlas

50W

Low Voltage Display - Parabolic Diffuse
1970

Sylvania

75W

Ellipsoidal Reflector for European market
~1985

GE

45W

Miser BR30 Improved Double Reflector
1994

Philips

40W

Spotline NR60 Improved Double Reflector
1989
   

Sealed Beam

GE

30W

PAR36 Auto / Pin Spot with anti glare shield
1951

GE-Mazda

150W

PAR38 - First model for general display lighting
1942

Thorn

200W

Unusual PAR46 design with E27 Cap
1974

Crown Mirror

GE

200W

White Bowl Indirect Light
1939

GE

100W

Silver Bowl Indirect Light
1935 c.

Philips

150W

Crown Silver with Inside Frosted Glass
1990

Philips

30W

Miniature Crown Silver with Ogive Bulb
1983
       

Side Mirror

Mazda

150W

Rectalux for Street Lighting Service
~1960