Power of a spherical refracting surface

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SUMMARY

The power of a spherical refracting surface is defined by the formula P = (n2 – n1)/R, where n1 is the refractive index of the object space, n2 is the refractive index of the image space, and R is the radius of curvature of the spherical surface. A user attempted to derive this expression and arrived at P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)], indicating a misunderstanding of the relationship between focal length and power. The correct interpretation is that the focal length in air (n = 1) leads to the conclusion that the power is P = n1/f1, where f1 is the focal length in the medium with index n1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refractive indices (n1 and n2)
  • Knowledge of spherical surfaces and their curvature (R)
  • Familiarity with the lens maker's equation and focal length concepts
  • Basic principles of optics and refraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the lens maker's formula for different media
  • Learn about the relationship between focal length and power in optical systems
  • Explore the concept of principal focus in spherical refracting surfaces
  • Investigate the effects of varying refractive indices on image formation
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of spherical refracting surfaces and their applications in optical systems.

Amith2006
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The power of a spherical refracting surface is given as, P = (n2 – n1)/R
Where n1 = refractive index of object space, n2 = refractive index of image space
R = Radius of curvature of the spherical surface
I tried to derive the expression but I got a different expression.
Let u and v be the object and image distance from the spherical surface respectively.
Suppose the spherical refracting surface produces the image of a real object placed at its first principal focus at infinity. Then,
u = +f1, v = infinity
For refraction at a spherical surface,
(n2)/v + (n1)/u = (n2 – n1)/R
(n2)/(infinity) + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
0 + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
f1 = [(n1)(R)]/( (n2 – n1)
Power = 1/f1
Therefore P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)]
Could you please tell me where I have gone wrong?
 
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Amith2006 said:
The power of a spherical refracting surface is given as, P = (n2 – n1)/R
Where n1 = refractive index of object space, n2 = refractive index of image space
R = Radius of curvature of the spherical surface
I tried to derive the expression but I got a different expression.
Let u and v be the object and image distance from the spherical surface respectively.
Suppose the spherical refracting surface produces the image of a real object placed at its first principal focus at infinity. Then,
u = +f1, v = infinity
For refraction at a spherical surface,
(n2)/v + (n1)/u = (n2 – n1)/R
(n2)/(infinity) + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
0 + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
f1 = [(n1)(R)]/( (n2 – n1)
Power = 1/f1
Therefore P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)]
Could you please tell me where I have gone wrong?
It looks like f1 is the focal length in air (n = 1). The power is the reciprocal of the focal length in the medium. That focal length is f1/n1 in a medium with index of refraction n1. So the power is P = n1/f1

AM
 

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