The Relationship Between Lens Thickness and Light Convergence/Divergence

[Leonard123]

I understand that convex lenses cause light rays to converge while concave lenses cause light rays to diverge. But what is the relationship between the thickness of these lenses and the extent of the convergence/divergence of the light rays?

 

[Andy Resnick]

I understand that convex lenses cause light rays to converge while concave lenses cause light rays to diverge. But what is the relationship between the thickness of these lenses and the extent of the convergence/divergence of the light rays?

Very little, in the linear approximation. The curvature of the surfaces is what creates 'optical power', and some modern lenses get rid of the thickness entirely- so called 'diffractive optical elements'.

Lens thickness first begins to effect optical performance when accounting for dispersion- the refractive index of materials depends on the wavelength- and so is associated with chromatic aberrations.