Abstract: Parabolic Mirror. The mirror includes a flexible material with a reflective surface and a rear surface. A flexible band is in contact with the rear surface of the flexible material. The bending stiffness of the band as a function of distance along its length is selected so that the band and the flexible material in contact therewith assume a parabolic shape when ends of the band are moved toward one another. In a preferred embodiment, the bending stiffness of the band is achieved by controlling the second moment of area of the band along its length. The second moment of area may be adjusted by altering the width of the band along its length or by altering the thickness of the band along its length, or a combination of the two.