What type of lantern uses a parabolic reflector to create a high-intensity parallel beam?

The type of lantern that utilizes a parabolic reflector to generate a high-intensity parallel beam is indeed a beamlight. This design is crucial because the parabolic shape effectively directs and focuses the light into a concentrated beam, which is essential for applications that require precise lighting, such as in spotlighting and in specific stage effects.

Beamlights are designed to produce sharp beams of light that can reach great distances without significant dispersion, making them valuable for both theatrical productions and specialized lighting in various settings. The ability to manipulate the beam's spread and intensity gives designers flexibility in achieving their vision in performances.

Other options, while related to lighting, do not fit the description provided. Floodlights generally provide a broader and more diffuse light source without the focused intensity of a beamlight. Spotlights also offer directed light but typically use different reflector designs and may not achieve the same level of parallelism in their beams. The term "lantern" can refer to various types of lighting devices but does not specifically denote the parabolic reflector characteristic that allows for the parallel beam unique to beamlights.