GRIN Lens - Gradient Coefficient Expression

  • Thread starter Thread starter Schreiber__
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Coefficient Lens
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the gradient coefficient for a GRIN lens, focusing on the relationships between various parameters such as pitch, refractive index, and lens length. Participants are exploring how to derive the gradient constant and its implications on the lens properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss attempts to calculate the gradient constant using different equations and values. Questions arise regarding the units of the gradient and the implications of the calculated values on the lens length. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the definitions and relationships between the parameters involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights and clarifications about the gradient and its calculation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationships between the parameters, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or final values.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific equations and relationships from lectures, but some participants express uncertainty about the applicability of these equations and the accuracy of their calculations. Additionally, there are issues with accessing external resources that may provide further clarification.

Schreiber__
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
Homework Statement: You have a rod of GRIN material and would like to make a lens that has a pitch of 0.23. The rod had a radius of 1.0 mm with a quadratic radial change in index. The maximum refractive index is 1.6 and the fractional change in index of refraction, Δ, is 0.05. To what length should you cut the rod to get a single lens of 0.23 pitch? Express your answer in mm to two decimal points.
Relevant Equations
Z=(2*pi/g)*P
z= the length of the lens, P is the pitch and g is the gradient constant. I attempted to solve for g using the radius and delta, but I think I am missing a key function. The units of g should be 1/mm.

P=0.23
delta = 0.05
nmax = 1.6
nmin = 1.6 - 0.05 = 1.55
r = 1.0 mm

z = (2*pi/g) * p

Attempt at g, g = delta/r = 0.05/1mm = 0.05/mm, too low gave a length z = 28.9 mm which is incorrect and too long here.

Through some research I found this relationship, P = 2*pi/sqrt(g) where g is the gradient. Using the values above I calculated g = (2*pi/P)^2
Using the values above I calculated g = 746.28, but there are no units? This value is too high and a very small z (~2x10^-3).

The other equations in the lecture were focal length (dependent on z), NA (dependent on the index of refraction, n), and working distance (again dependence on z)

I appreciate the help here!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
Physics news on Phys.org
For the benefit of others unfamiliar with the topic:
"A ray incident on the front surface of a GRIN lens follows a sinusoidal path along the rod. The "pitch" of the lens is the fraction of a full sinusoidal period that the ray traverses in the lens (i.e., a lens with a pitch of 0.25 has a length equal to 1/4 of a sine wave, which would collimate a point source at the surface of the lens)."

Wrt gradient, I gather that the refractive index at radius r is given by ##n(r)=n(0)(1-\frac 12g^2r^2)##.
https://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9_PF.cfm
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Schreiber__
Schreiber__ said:
the fractional change in index of refraction, Δ, is 0.05.

nmin = 1.6 - 0.05 = 1.55
Fractional change suggests to me nmin = 1.6(1 - 0.05). If the radius of the lens is R that gives ##\frac 12 g^2R^2=\Delta=0.05##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Schreiber__
haruspex said:
For the benefit of others unfamiliar with the topic:
"A ray incident on the front surface of a GRIN lens follows a sinusoidal path along the rod. The "pitch" of the lens is the fraction of a full sinusoidal period that the ray traverses in the lens (i.e., a lens with a pitch of 0.25 has a length equal to 1/4 of a sine wave, which would collimate a point source at the surface of the lens)."

Wrt gradient, I gather that the refractive index at radius r is given by ##n(r)=n(0)(1-\frac 12g^2r^2)##.
https://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9_PF.cfm
Thank you, I'll look at that for the solution of the gradient, then solve for the length. There is a second step where we change the radius of the lens (keeping other parameters the same), then evaluate the change in the two calculated length,

The link you provided just hits their general website (at least for me), can you direct me to the page? I tried looking, the reference might be helpful.
 
haruspex said:
Fractional change suggests to me nmin = 1.6(1 - 0.05). If the radius of the lens is R that gives ##\frac 12 g^2R^2=\Delta=0.05##.
This is a good approach.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
28K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
7K