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

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the behavior of photons as they pass through a system of lenses designed for permanent refraction. It concludes that while photons interact with the atoms in the lens material, the emergent light retains the same properties, such as color, as the incident photons. The concept of total internal reflection is introduced, linking it to Fiber Optic technology, which utilizes similar principles to maintain image integrity over time. The participants agree that even after passing through multiple lenses, the photons maintain their original characteristics, allowing for potential image preservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, including refraction and total internal reflection.
  • Familiarity with the behavior of light and photons in different media.
  • Knowledge of Fiber Optic technology and its applications.
  • Basic concepts of wavelength and color in light.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of total internal reflection in Fiber Optic technology.
  • Explore the interaction of photons with various lens materials and their effects on light properties.
  • Study the process of refraction and how it separates light into different wavelengths.
  • Investigate advanced optical systems designed for image preservation and manipulation.
USEFUL FOR

Optics students, physicists, engineers working with optical systems, and anyone interested in the behavior of light 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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