Optics question using ray matrices

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves optics, specifically the behavior of light as it passes through a convex hemispherical surface of a glass rod. The original poster presents a scenario where an object is positioned relative to this surface, and they seek to determine the image's position and height using ray matrices.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to construct and multiply ray matrices to find the final result. Some participants question the order of matrix multiplication and its impact on the results. Others suggest reconsidering the arrangement of the matrices to ensure accurate calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the matrix multiplication process, with some providing guidance on the correct order of operations. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the original poster's calculations, but no consensus has been reached regarding the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the importance of matrix multiplication order, as it affects the results significantly. Participants note discrepancies in the original poster's matrices and encourage verification of the calculations.

nateastle
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Homework Statement


The problem is: The left end of a long glass rod 10.0 cm in diameter, with an index of refraction 1.5, is ground and polished to a convex hemispherical surface with a radius of 5.0cm. An object in the form of an arrow 2.00mm tall, at right angles to the axis of the rod, is located on the axis 25.0 cm to the left of the vertex of the convex surface. Find the position and height of the image of the arrow formed by paraxial rays incident on the convex surface.

From this I know that R= 5cm, do = 25cm, ho=.2cm, n1 = 1, n2 = 1.5

Homework Equations



n1/n2
-(nlarge - nsmall)/n2R



The Attempt at a Solution

(and what an attempt it is.)
The teacher wants us to use ray matrices to figure out the answer. I figure there are 3 matrices that will need to be formed.

Here is what I have:
[tex]m1 = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 1 & 25 \\<br /> 0 & 1\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

[tex]m2 = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 1 & 0 \\<br /> -0.067 & .67\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

[tex]m3 = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 1 & di \\<br /> 0 & 1\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

When I multiply the 3 together I get my final result as:

[tex]mfinal = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 2.675 & 2.675di + 16.75 \\<br /> -.067 & -.067di +.67\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

For some reason I am not getting the right answers in my final matrix to lign up with the image matrix. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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What order did you use for the matrices when you multiplied them?
 
I multiplied [m1] [m2] I then took the result and multiplied it by [m3].
 
nateastle said:
I multiplied [m1] [m2] I then took the result and multiplied it by [m3].

Try [m3][m2][m1] and think about why you might want it that way
 
I did it that way and that is how I got mFinal. I don't know if my math is not right or if something else is not right.
 
nateastle said:
I did it that way and that is how I got mFinal. I don't know if my math is not right or if something else is not right.

I think you need to check it. Do you know that [m2][m1] is not the same as [m1][m2]?? I see no way you can have di in the bottom row of the final matrix. I also see no way to get any negatives.
 
I switched the result of [m2][m1] with where [m3] was suppose to be. Thanks for you help, so here is what I have for my mFinal:
[tex]mfinal = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 2.675 + di & 16.75 -.67di\\ <br /> -.067 & .67\\ <br /> \end{array} \right)[/tex]

the negetive I have from my m2 matrix, I posted it wrong orignaly.
 
Last edited:
nateastle said:
I switched the result of [m2][m1] with where [m3] was suppose to be. Thanks for you help, so here is what I have for my mFinal:
[tex]mfinal = \left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> 2.675 + di & 16.75 -.67di\\ <br /> -.067 & .67\\ <br /> \end{array} \right)[/tex]

the negetive I have from my m2 matrix, I posted it wrong orignaly.

The only way I can see you getting a 16.75 anywhere is from multiplying [m1][m2] in that order instead of [m2][m1]. Then [m3][m1][m2] gives your new bottom row but not your top row.

You still need to compute [m3][m2][m1]. You can do it as

{[m3][m2]}[m1] or [m3]{[m2][m1]}

Matrix multiplication is associative, but it is not commutative.

I think you are correct about that sign in [m2]. I assume you changed that back in your original post.
 

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