System of lenses with a light source at first focal point

In summary, the system of lenses presented in the conversation consists of two lenses with focal lengths of 50mm and 400mm, respectively, and a distance of 600mm between them. A small light source is placed at the focal point of the first lens, and the question is asked about the magnification of the image at the focal point of the second lens. After discussing the lens formula and attempting a solution, the participants in the conversation realize that drawing a ray diagram is necessary to solve the problem. By using the properties of rays passing through the focal points and the center of a lens, the solution is found to be a magnification of approximately 8.
  • #1
alivedude
58
5

Homework Statement



So I have this system of lenses with this problem:

First lens: focal length ##f_1=50 mm##
Second lens : focal length ##f_2=400 mm##
Distance between them ##d=600mm##

A small light source is placed at the focal point for the first lens. At the focal point for the second lens we have an image of the light source, what is the magnification?

Homework Equations



Lens formula: ##\frac{1}{s}+\frac{1}{s'}=\frac{1}{f}##

The Attempt at a Solution



Since we have the objekt at the first focal point the image of that lens is the infinity. This implies that the objekt for the second lens is the infinity and that would give us the image at the second focal point to the right of the second lens. Is this correct? How would I continue to find the magnification of this?
 
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  • #2
How about a drawing ?
 
  • #3
BvU said:
How about a drawing ?

I have done a ray diagram, but it is on paper. Is there anyway you could lead me on anyway?
 
  • #4
Picture "object at f" here might help...
Rays from "foot" of arrow are easy to draw for this 2 lens system. Now the rays for the tip of the arrow ...
 
  • #5
BvU said:
Picture "object at f" here might help...
Rays from "foot" of arrow are easy to draw for this 2 lens system. Now the rays for the tip of the arrow ...

But how do I know the height of the arrow? Also, if the height is to big I can't draw it at all, right?
 
  • #6
You don't need to know the height of the arrow. All you want is the magnification factor. So take something useful and make the drawing !

BvU said:
Reason I bring in the drawing is simple: There are three things you know when drawing object, positive thin lens and image:
  1. rays going through focal point come out parallel to the optical axis
  2. rays coming in parallel go through focal point
  3. rays going through center go through unaffected
Two of these rules are very useful for finding rays from tip of arrow to second lens...
 
  • #7
BvU said:
You don't need to know the height of the arrow. All you want is the magnification factor. So take something useful and make the drawing !

Two of these rules are very useful for finding rays from tip of arrow to second lens...
These I all know but its hard to draw something when the first focal length is 50 mm then followed by a gap of 600 mm. I want to calculate it before I draw it to see where I end up. I already have a "feeling" for where I want to end up but I want to calculate it, that is the problem.
 
  • #8
If you make a sketchy drawing, you'll see what it is you want to calculate :smile: !
 
  • #9
BvU said:
If you make a sketchy drawing, you'll see what it is you want to calculate :smile: !

From my sketchy drawing it feels like I should end up with the magnification ##M \approx 6## but that doesn't help me, haha.
 
  • #10
See any nice triangles you can use effectively ?

[edit] I did make the sketch. It makes the answer so obvious that I don't even want to post that picture: PF rules don't allow helpers to do your homework for you. Only help.

[more edit] from post #4: Rays from "foot" of arrow are easy to draw for this 2 lens system.
What do you see ?
 
Last edited:
  • #11
BvU said:
See any nice triangles you can use effectively ?

[edit] I did make the sketch. It makes the answer so obvious that I don't even want to post that picture: PF rules don't allow helpers to do your homework for you. Only help.

[more edit] from post #4: Rays from "foot" of arrow are easy to draw for this 2 lens system.
What do you see ?

Ok! It's not a homework, just an excerise, but i understand. At least now I am on my way.

Is it enough to draw rays form the foot and the top of the arrow? I should look for some angles, right?
 
  • #12
Remember: the object is at the focal point of the first lens. That says something about all the rays that come from any point on the object.
Can you post at least some sketch ?
 
  • #13
BvU said:
Remember: the object is at the focal point of the first lens. That says something about all the rays that come from any point on the object.
Can you post at least some sketch ?

I'm at the university at the moment, I might be able to take a photograph with my cell phone.

I abit ashamed that i can't manage this haha

Edit: this is the best i can do at this moment

http://sv.tinypic.com/r/2a6j9ma/9
 
  • #14
alivedude said:
I'm at the university at the moment, I might be able to take a photograph with my cell phone.

I abit ashamed that i can't manage this haha

Edit: this is the best i can do at this moment

http://sv.tinypic.com/r/2a6j9ma/9

I think that i solved it now.. I got the answer 8 and that seems to be right. I Will post My solution when I get home, maybe you can check it and it might help others in the future. :)
 
  • #15
There is no need for shame. My PhD didn't prevent me from looking at this exercise in wonder either. Just hang in there !

Your picture is just fine, I am completely reassured.
(And trust that the picture from the rays emerging from the foot of the arrow is correct too. It helped you to find the image location on the axis -- and perhaps you noticed that the distance between seceond lens and image plane does not depend on distance between lenses :wink: )​

So you see that the rays from the top of the arrow after the first lens have a property: they are parallel. You already know where they focus, so in fact one ray is already enough to establish the image height. There were three rules to make these drawings. One of them isn't usable :smile:

I eagerly hope for an aha moment now :rolleyes: !

--
 
  • #16
alivedude said:
I think that i solved it now.. I got the answer 8 and that seems to be right. I Will post My solution when I get home, maybe you can check it and it might help others in the future. :)
It's not the destination, it's the journey that makes life so valuable ...
 
  • #17
BvU said:
There is no need for shame. My PhD didn't prevent me from looking at this exercise in wonder either. Just hang in there !

Your picture is just fine, I am completely reassured.
(And trust that the picture from the rays emerging from the foot of the arrow is correct too. It helped you to find the image location on the axis -- and perhaps you noticed that the distance between seceond lens and image plane does not depend on distance between lenses :wink: )​

So you see that the rays from the top of the arrow after the first lens have a property: they are parallel. You already know where they focus, so in fact one ray is already enough to establish the image height. There were three rules to make these drawings. One of them isn't usable :smile:

I eagerly hope for an aha moment now :rolleyes: !

--

BvU said:
It's not the destination, it's the journey that makes life so valuable ...

Haha yes, but its not good for my self conscious to struggle with this when i have no problem at all with much heavier physics and math.. Anyway, thanks for your patience :)
 

What is the purpose of a system of lenses with a light source at the first focal point?

The purpose of this system is to create a beam of light that is focused and directed in a specific direction. The lenses help to refract and focus the light, while the light source at the first focal point provides the initial beam of light.

How does a system of lenses with a light source at the first focal point work?

The light source emits a beam of light that passes through the first lens, which refracts the light and directs it towards the second lens. The second lens then further refracts and focuses the light, creating a concentrated beam that is emitted from the system.

What are the benefits of using a system of lenses with a light source at the first focal point?

This type of system allows for precise and controlled direction of light, making it useful in applications such as laser technology, microscopy, and optical instruments. It also allows for a more intense and focused beam of light compared to a single lens.

What factors should be considered when designing a system of lenses with a light source at the first focal point?

Factors such as the type of light source, the size and shape of the lenses, the distances between the lenses, and the refractive index of the lenses all need to be taken into account to ensure the desired outcome of the system. The wavelength of light and the desired angle of refraction may also play a role in the design.

Are there any limitations to using a system of lenses with a light source at the first focal point?

One limitation is that the light source must be located at the first focal point for the system to work properly. Additionally, the system may be sensitive to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure, which can affect the refractive index of the lenses and therefore the performance of the system.

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