Is the equivalent lens of two such that f_1+f_2<h divergent?

In summary, the focal of the lens equivalent of two thin lenses at distance h is determined by the equation 1/f=1/f_1+1/f_2+h/(f_1 f_2). If f_1 and f_2 are both positive (convergent lenses), and their sum is less than h, the equivalent lens should be divergent. However, this may not be the case in all situations, as shown in Fig. 5.30 where a real, erect image can be formed with two convergent lenses even when their focal lengths are less than the distance between them. This may be due to the condition that f_1+f_2 >h, where f_1 is to the right
  • #1
crick
43
4
The focal of the lens equivalent of two thin lens at distance h is
$$1/f=1/f_1+1/f_2+h/(f_1 f_2)$$

Therefore, supposing that ##f_1>0## and ##f_2>0## (both lenses are convergent), if ##f_1+f_2 <h## then the equivalent lens should be divergent.

Nevertheless consider the example in picture
11.png


The two lenses have focals such that ##f_1+f_2 <h## but the image is real, i.e. the equivalent lens cannot be divergent. I understood the ray diagram, but how can this hold true?
 
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  • #2
crick said:
Therefore, supposing that f1>0f1>0f_1>0 and f2>0f2>0f_2>0 (both lenses are convergent), if f1+f2<hf1+f2<hf_1+f_2
Can you quote the source for this claim?
 
  • #3
Check out Fig. 5.30 here: http://engineering.tufts.edu/bme/people/georgakoudi/EN31Lab4ThinLensCombinations.pdf

It shows two thin lenses separated by a distance greater than the sum of their focal lengths and a real, erect image.
 
  • #4
Maybe the condition for the equivalent lens to be diverging is ##f_1+f_2 >h## . In that case, f1 is to the right of f2 in your diagram. A real image formed by the first lens will be within a focal length of the second lens and the result will be a virtual image.
 

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