What Happens to Photons in a System of Lenses Designed for Permanent Refraction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of photons in a system of lenses designed for permanent refraction. Participants explore the implications of light refraction, the nature of photons as they pass through lenses, and the potential for preserving images through multiple lenses over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the same photon exits a lens as the one that entered, suggesting that the interaction with the lens material alters the photon.
  • Others propose that while the individual photons may not be the same, the properties of the light, such as color, remain consistent after refraction.
  • A participant mentions the concept of total internal reflection as relevant to the discussion, linking it to fiber optic technology.
  • There is a suggestion that an infinite number of lenses could theoretically preserve an image indefinitely, as long as the properties of the light are maintained.
  • Some participants express confusion about the relationship between refraction and the separation of wavelengths in light, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the same photon is retained after passing through a lens. There are competing views regarding the nature of photons and the preservation of light properties through multiple lenses.

Contextual Notes

Unresolved questions include the exact nature of photon interaction with lens materials and the implications of total internal reflection in this context. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding of optics among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring concepts in optics, particularly those curious about the behavior of light and photons in lens systems.

whozum
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If you could set up a system of lenses so that once a steady light stream enters the system, it will be refracted within the same system permanently, what will happen to the photons?


Would it take an infinite number of lenses to get the exact refraction?
 
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Are you sure the refracted light retains its photon composition? In other words, is it the same photon coming out of the lens that went into the lens?
 
I'm asking, in all honesty, I don't know anything about optics.
 
OlderDan said:
Are you sure the refracted light retains its photon composition? In other words, is it the same photon coming out of the lens that went into the lens?

I think the answer to this question is no. Light is bent in a lens by a complex interaction of photons with the atoms in the medium. The emerging light is the result of energy absorption and emission by those atoms.
 
But that light contains the same properties as the incident photon that hit the lens right? The same color is what I mean.

What I'm getting at is that you could preserve an image through a system of lenses for an infinite amount of time by having the image go through a seemingly infinite number of lenses, then can be captured when needed.
 
OlderDan said:
Are you sure the refracted light retains its photon composition? In other words, is it the same photon coming out of the lens that went into the lens?

Wait a minute. Isn't refraction the separation of the different wavelengths of the photons in light into similar groups: ROYGBV? Wouldn't that mean that the photon that passed through the lens would be the same as before it went in; the only difference would be that it would be grouped with other photons of the same or similar wavelengths?
 
whozum said:
But that light contains the same properties as the incident photon that hit the lens right? The same color is what I mean.

What I'm getting at is that you could preserve an image through a system of lenses for an infinite amount of time by having the image go through a seemingly infinite number of lenses, then can be captured when needed.

I would agree with your reasoning that even if you passed a photon through an infinite number of lenses it with still retain the same colour and such. If this were not true then the question: Can a photon be refracted into other segements?: would be raised. Since this is not the case, you're right; the image would be trapted.
 
This is called total internal reflection, and is the physical principle behind Fiber Optic technology.
 
Ok, now I'm confused. Crosson could you help connect the dots a little? Please? :redface:
 

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