The subfield of optics in which light propagation is approximated in terms of rays. It mainly includes reflection and refraction on surfaces.
2
votes
2answers
63 views
Proof that a spherical lens is stigmatic
In geometric optics, we generally allow that, for example in the case of a convex lens, rays coming from a particular point get refracted towards another particular point on the opposite side of the ...
6
votes
0answers
178 views
light ray 'entropy'
Is there something like an entropy law for light rays?
I came up with the following experiment: A black box has two circular holes in it, a small and a large one. I don't care about there ...
2
votes
0answers
62 views
Optics: finding total power of a syste, including wavelength
Specifically I need to create an ABCD matrix given 2 radii of curvatures, the thickness of the lens, type of glass (BK7) and a given wavelength. I will have to figure this out eventually, so help ...
1
vote
0answers
139 views
What are Jones matrices and how to derive them?
I'm coding a software for an optics lab I'm working in and I need to know how to derive expressions for Jones matrices for various polarizes.
What does a Jones matrix represent and how would you ...
1
vote
0answers
324 views
How to use the Coddington shape factor?
We are given $\sigma=\frac{r2+r1}{r2-r1}$, with $\sigma$ being the Coddington shape factor. What I am having problems with is solving for $r1$ and $r2$ when I am just given a focal length and a ...
0
votes
0answers
40 views
Is my textbook in error about this geometric optics relation?
Given a centered optical system (having an axis of rotational symmetry), let $H_1$ be the intersection of the optical axis and the "principal object plane" (I'm studying in French and have no idea how ...
0
votes
0answers
61 views
Sign convention of the lens formula and its application
Why is the sign convention used in the derivation of the lens formula and yet used again when it is applied in numerical problems? Won't the whole idea of sign convention be eliminated if it is used ...
0
votes
0answers
51 views
Perimeter of Image of a Square
A concave mirror of focal length =10 cm is placed 15 cm from a square. The square lie on the principal axis i.e it's one side coincides with the principal axis. What is the perimeter of the image? How ...
