How is the focal length of an objective calculated?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on calculating the focal length of an objective lens used in microscopy, specifically in the context of non-infinity corrected lenses. Participants explore the relationship between magnification, numerical aperture (NA), and tube length in determining focal length.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating the focal length using available magnification and NA, noting the objective is not infinity corrected.
  • Another participant suggests measuring the LDDV as a potential step in the calculation process.
  • A different participant mentions that non-infinity corrected microscope lenses typically adhere to standard tube lengths of 160mm, 170mm, or 180mm, and explains that magnification is calculated as the tube length divided by the lens focal length.
  • There is a casual remark about understanding the construction of these lenses, implying that practical knowledge may aid in calculations.
  • A later reply indicates that using the tube length in calculations was effective for the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single method for calculating focal length, but there is agreement on the relevance of tube length in the calculations. Multiple viewpoints on the approach exist.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that the tube length is known and the specific standards (RMS, DIN, JIS) may not apply universally. The discussion does not resolve how to measure LDDV or its impact on calculations.

ppoonamk
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I am using an objective lens to illuminate my object by a collimated beam. The magnification and NA is available on the objective. How can I calculate the focal length from this information? The objective is not infinity corrected. Thank you
 
Science news on Phys.org
IIRC: You need to measure the LDDV.
 
Non-infinity corrected microscope lenses are typically based on a tube length of either 160mm (RMS or DIN standard) or 170mm (JIS). Of course, just to be different, Olympus used 180mm...

The magnification is (tube length)/(lens focal length). Note the focal length is not the front working distance.
 
... or you could just know how people build these things :)
 
Thank you for all the answers. Using the tube length in my calculations worked. Thanks :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K