Optics Equations - to reduce height

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter btb4198
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Height Optics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of using optics equations to reduce the height and distance of an existing optical setup while maintaining the same focus. Participants explore the implications of modifying components in a basic optical system that includes a light source, pre-analyzer filter, lens, and camera.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about an optics equation that could facilitate reducing the distance in their optical setup while achieving the same results.
  • Another participant requests more specific details about the setup and suggests that a diagram could help clarify the situation.
  • A participant reiterates the desire to reduce the distance from the camera to the lens while maintaining focus, but acknowledges the lack of clarity in the original query.
  • One participant references the simple lens equation (1/u + 1/v = 1/f) and discusses the relationship between image and object size, questioning the original poster's familiarity with optics.
  • Another participant warns that reducing the diameter and spacing of optical elements without altering their power may degrade image quality, expressing uncertainty about the existence of a straightforward solution.
  • A further contribution notes that while reducing element size can lead to issues, many camera lenses operate between diffraction and aberration, suggesting that certain f-stop values may be preferable under specific conditions.
  • Participants emphasize the vagueness of the original post and call for more input from the original poster to provide a more tailored response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the original query lacks sufficient detail for a definitive answer. There are competing views regarding the effects of reducing component sizes and spacing on image quality, with some expressing skepticism about the feasibility of achieving the desired outcome without compromising performance.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's lack of detail about the optical setup and the specific requirements for maintaining focus. The discussion also highlights the complexity of optimizing optical systems and the potential trade-offs involved.

btb4198
Messages
570
Reaction score
10
Is there an optics equation that can take an existing optics set-up and tell you would components, you would need to reduce the distance and still get the same result?

I have a working system, but it is really larger and I would like to reduce the distance, the height.
I am using a light source to pre-analyzer filter to lens to camera, a basic Optical setup.

Is that any equation I can use ?
 
Science news on Phys.org
That's all a bit too open ended for a proper answer, I'm afraid. What's the actual set-up and what do you actually need to know? A diagram is always worth the effort.
 
I want to reduce the distance from the camas to the lens and keep my same focus.
 
btb4198 said:
I want to reduce the distance from the camas to the lens and keep my same focus.
That still doesn't mean a lot to me, I'm afraid. You may know what you mean but you are leaving out a lot of stuff that's necessary for me to understand you.

I presume you know the simple lens equation (1/u +1/v = 1/f) and the ratio of image and object size being equal to the two distances. Have you read around about this or is this your first taste of optics? It isn't clear.
 
Reducing the diameter and spacing of the elements without changing their power will do nothing but make your image worse. Optical systems are notoriously difficult to optimize, so I'm not sure there's a simple equation that would work. Unfortunately my 2 semesters of optics didn't give me enough knowledge to elaborate further or give a concrete answer.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: sophiecentaur
Drakkith said:
Reducing the diameter and spacing of the elements without changing their power will do nothing but make your image worse
Whilst this is sometimes the case, most camera lenses sit between diffraction and aberration problems. For a lot of photography, diffraction is not a problem and f values around f8 will give least impairment. f1.4 is a great advantage for low light or movement but not a 'preferred value' when a smaller stop will work.

The OP is far too vague for a good answer, as I have already said. If the requirement is very critical then any suitable (obviously multi-element) lens would be optimised for its size and you'd have to pay for it!

Some input from OP is required now.
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 66 ·
3
Replies
66
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K