Understanding the Mathematical Explanation for Fresnel Lenses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the mathematical explanation for Fresnel lenses, including their design, applications, and the underlying physics and mathematics. Participants share resources and seek clarification on the concepts involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the mathematics related to Fresnel lenses and shares a link to an article they believe contains the answer.
  • Another participant suggests that exploring the applications of Fresnel lenses may aid in understanding, referencing similarities between lens geometries in different contexts.
  • Questions are raised about the original poster's background in physics and mathematics, specifically regarding their familiarity with algebra, trigonometry, and Snell's Law.
  • The original poster indicates a moderate understanding of the relevant subjects but feels they are missing key concepts necessary to grasp the equations presented in the article.
  • There is mention of an ongoing online course in optical physics that the original poster is taking to better understand the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the mathematical explanation for Fresnel lenses, and multiple viewpoints regarding the understanding of the topic and the necessary background knowledge remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the mathematical derivations related to Fresnel lenses and the application of Snell's Law, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect comprehension.

Lucas Olivio
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Homework Statement: what is the mathematical explanation for fresnel lenses
Homework Equations: No equations were provided

I'm going to post a link to one article I found that I think has the answer, but I couldn't understand because of my lack of knowledge in physics and math.

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/2018/4654795/
 
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:welcome:If you have difficulty understanding the math in the link you posted, perhaps reading about Fresnel lens applications will help your understanding. This wikipedia article describes the design and history of visible light lenses.

Similar lens antennas guide microwaves in the radio frequency (RF) section of the electromagnetic spectrum. Notice the similar geometries of lighthouse lenses and microwave antennas, suggesting the underlying mathematics.
 
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(Note -- thread moved from the Homework Help forums, since it does not seem to be a homework-type question)
 
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Klystron said:
:welcome:If you have difficulty understanding the math in the link you posted, perhaps reading about Fresnel lens applications will help your understanding. This wikipedia article describes the design and history of visible light lenses.

Similar lens antennas guide microwaves in the radio frequency (RF) section of the electromagnetic spectrum. Notice the similar geometries of lighthouse lenses and microwave antennas, suggesting the underlying mathematics.
Thanks Klystron! I'll give these links a try. If more doubts come I'll make sure to post here again.
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF, Lucas! :smile:

Can you say a bit more about your physics and math background? Have you had algebra? How about trigonometry? And have you learned about Snell's Law yet?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snell's_law
:smile:
Thanks berkeman!
My Knowledge in these areas is moderate, my university course don't have much focus on these subjects so I end up forgetting about things. The Senll's Law I actually studied just to try solve the question, still didn't understood how the article came up with that 5 first equations only from the snell law...
In the moment I'm currently taking an online course in optical physics to be able to resolve this question, but I feel like I'm still missing something...
 

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