Calculating Focal Points of a Thick Lens

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the positions of focal points for a thick lens with given index of refraction, thickness, and radii of curvature. The equations and attempted solution are provided, and additional resources are suggested for further help.
  • #1
PChar
11
0

Homework Statement



A thick lens has an index of refraction of 1.560, thickness of 3.0cm, and radii of curvature of R1= -4.50cm, R2= -3.60cm.

Calculate the positions of the focal points (relative to the vertices).

Homework Equations



[itex]\frac{n}{s}+\frac{n'}{s'}=\frac{n'-n}{R}[/itex]

[itex]ffl = \frac{f1(t + f2)}{t-(f1 + f2)}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I assume I need to first focal length for each lens to plug into the front focal length and back focal length formulas, meaning s' = ∞ so for L1:

f1 = [itex]\frac{R}{n'-n}=\frac{-4.50cm}{1.560-1.000}[/itex] = -8.04cm

Do I have the right idea? If so, will I need to swap the indexes of refraction when doing the opposite side of the lens, so that light is coming from the left side?
 
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  • #2
These might help?

"For the case of a lens of thickness d in air, and surfaces with radii of curvature R1 and R2, the effective focal length f is given by:"

From half way down the following page,

http://www.answers.com/topic/focal-length

Worked examples here,

http://www.drdrbill.com/downloads/optics/geometric-optics/Thick_Lenses.pdf

Found via,

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi

https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en#...w.,cf.osb&fp=fc8f4a6474bcae3f&biw=917&bih=404

Good luck!
 

1. What are the focal points of a thick lens?

The focal points of a thick lens are the two points where light rays converge or appear to diverge after passing through the lens. These points are known as the principal focal points.

2. How are the focal points of a thick lens determined?

The focal points of a thick lens are determined by the curvature and thickness of the lens, as well as the refractive index of the material the lens is made of.

3. Are the focal points of a thick lens always the same distance from the lens?

No, the distance between the focal points of a thick lens can vary depending on the shape and thickness of the lens. It can also be affected by the angle at which the light rays enter the lens.

4. Can a thick lens have more than two focal points?

Yes, a thick lens can have multiple focal points if it has a complex shape or is made of different materials with varying refractive indexes.

5. How do the focal points of a thick lens affect its ability to focus light?

The focal points of a thick lens determine its ability to converge or focus light rays. A lens with a smaller distance between its focal points will have a greater ability to focus light, while a lens with a larger distance between its focal points will have a weaker ability to focus light.

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