The discussion centers on the feasibility of designing a lens capable of creating a rainbow from a broad beam of light, contrasting it with the traditional prism method that utilizes a thin beam of white light. Key points include the importance of light coherence and the potential use of lenses exhibiting significant transverse chromatic aberration. The conversation references a past project involving a lens with substantial longitudinal chromatic aberration for hyperspectral imaging, indicating that while challenging, it may be possible to achieve a rainbow effect with broader light beams under specific conditions.
PREREQUISITESOptical engineers, physicists, and researchers in imaging technology who are interested in the manipulation of light and the design of optical systems.
notnow said:In standard experiment with prism, you can create a rainbow from a thin beam of white light. Is it possible to design a lens that will create a rainbow from a broad beam? Even if it is only at a fixed distance from the lens?