Thick lens problem, transfer matrices

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of transfer matrices to describe the image produced by a biconvex lens with given radii and axial width. The conversation also includes an attempt at solving the problem using the ray transfer matrix method, but there are discrepancies in the resulting matrix and equation. The expert suggests including the free-space travel and the convergence of rays in the overall matrix for the system.
  • #1
fluidistic
Gold Member
3,924
261

Homework Statement


A biconconvex (n_l=1.5) lens have radii worth 20 and 10 cm and an axial width of 5 cm. Describe the image of an object whose height is 2.5 cm and situated at 8 cm from the first vertex.

Homework Equations



Transfer matrices.

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the ray transfer matrix method shown in the website http://physics.tamuk.edu/~suson/html/4323/thick.html.
Let [tex]M[/tex] be the ray transfer matrix. Then [tex]M=M_3M_2M_1[/tex].
M_1 being a refraction matrix of the first lens, M_2 the ray transfer matrix of the ray passing through the lens and M_3 the refraction of the ray while leaving the lens through the second radius of the lens.

Mathematically [tex]M_1= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ \frac{1}{0.2m} \left ( \frac{1}{1.5}-1 \right ) & \frac{1}{1.5} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
[tex]M_2=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0.05 \\ 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
[tex]M_3= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ -\frac{1}{0.1m} \left ( 1.5-1 \right ) & 1.5 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
And thus M gave me [tex]\begin{bmatrix}1 & \frac{1}{20} \\ 3 & \frac{17}{12} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].

Therefore [tex]\begin{bmatrix} y_1 \\ \theta _1 \end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}1 & \frac{1}{20} \\ 3 & \frac{17}{12} \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} y_0 \\ \theta _0 \end{bmatrix} =\begin{bmatrix} \frac{1}{40} \\ -\frac{3}{40} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
Thus the special ray leaving the maximum height of the object and parallel to the optics axe enter the lens at an height of 1/40 m and leaves the lens at the same height... seems totally counter intuitive to me, therefore wrong.
Anyway it gives me the equation [tex]y(x)=-\frac{3x}{40}+\frac{1}{20}[/tex], solving for y(x)=0, I reach a focal distance of 2/3 m! Way too big in my opinion but I'm not 100% sure. Also the image seems real, which totally disagree with my intuition once again since the object is much closer to the lens than the focal length. In disagreement with http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Lens3b.svg, also I know it's a thin lens.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm still stuck on this exercise. I'd appreciate absolutely any help.
 
  • #3
Hi fluidistic, I hope you are well.

I haven't used matrix methods in optics very much, but feel that I do understand them reasonably well. I'll see if I can be of help.
fluidistic said:

Homework Statement


A biconconvex (n_l=1.5) lens have radii worth 20 and 10 cm and an axial width of 5 cm. Describe the image of an object whose height is 2.5 cm and situated at 8 cm from the first vertex.
First, I'll just comment that you could work this out staying in cm units, rather than converting everything to meters. Either way should work in theory, but I think we'd be less prone to making an error if you don't convert the units.

That being said, we may as well go with meters since you have set everything up already.

Homework Equations



Transfer matrices.

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the ray transfer matrix method shown in the website http://physics.tamuk.edu/~suson/html/4323/thick.html.
Let [tex]M[/tex] be the ray transfer matrix. Then [tex]M=M_3M_2M_1[/tex].
M_1 being a refraction matrix of the first lens, M_2 the ray transfer matrix of the ray passing through the lens and M_3 the refraction of the ray while leaving the lens through the second radius of the lens.

Mathematically [tex]M_1= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ \frac{1}{0.2m} \left ( \frac{1}{1.5}-1 \right ) & \frac{1}{1.5} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
[tex]M_2=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0.05 \\ 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
[tex]M_3= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ -\frac{1}{0.1m} \left ( 1.5-1 \right ) & 1.5 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
I agree with your M1, M2, and M3.
And thus M gave me [tex]\begin{bmatrix}1 & \frac{1}{20} \\ 3 & \frac{17}{12} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
I get something different. And my result has a determinant =1, as (I believe) it should be.
Hint: when I multiply M2M1, I get

0.917, 0.033m
-1.667m-1, 0.667

Therefore [tex]\begin{bmatrix} y_1 \\ \theta _1 \end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}1 & \frac{1}{20} \\ 3 & \frac{17}{12} \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} y_0 \\ \theta _0 \end{bmatrix} =\begin{bmatrix} \frac{1}{40} \\ -\frac{3}{40} \end{bmatrix}[/tex].
Thus the special ray leaving the maximum height of the object and parallel to the optics axe enter the lens at an height of 1/40 m and leaves the lens at the same height... seems totally counter intuitive to me, therefore wrong.
Good observation. You'll need to get the M correct, in order to proceed further.
Anyway it gives me the equation [tex]y(x)=-\frac{3x}{40}+\frac{1}{20}[/tex], solving for y(x)=0, I reach a focal distance of 2/3 m! Way too big in my opinion but I'm not 100% sure. Also the image seems real, which totally disagree with my intuition once again since the object is much closer to the lens than the focal length. In disagreement with http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Lens3b.svg, also I know it's a thin lens.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Okay, I don't follow this last part. Here is what I would try:

I think you'll need to include the free-space travel from the object to the lens, and from the lens to the image, in your overall M for the system. And you'll need to express, mathematically, the fact that all rays from the source converge to the same point at the image location. That is how I would proceed, but if there is a different method that was presented to you in class then I am not sure how else to help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to Thick lens problem, transfer matrices

1. What is the Thick Lens Problem?

The Thick Lens Problem refers to a mathematical model used to analyze the behavior of light passing through a thick lens. It takes into account the curvature and thickness of the lens, as well as the refractive indices of the materials involved.

2. What are Transfer Matrices?

Transfer Matrices are matrices used in the Thick Lens Problem to represent the optical properties of a lens. They allow us to calculate the behavior of light passing through the lens, such as its focal length and image formation.

3. How do Transfer Matrices work?

Transfer Matrices work by representing the transformation of light passing through a lens as a series of matrix operations. By applying these matrices in the correct order, we can calculate the overall behavior of light passing through the lens.

4. When are Transfer Matrices used?

Transfer Matrices are used in the Thick Lens Problem whenever we need to analyze the behavior of light passing through a thick lens. This could be in various fields such as optics, physics, and engineering.

5. What are the limitations of Transfer Matrices in the Thick Lens Problem?

While Transfer Matrices are a powerful tool for analyzing the behavior of light in a thick lens, they do have some limitations. They assume that the lens is thin compared to its focal length, and they do not take into account the effects of aberrations and diffraction.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
792
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
971
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
965
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
451
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
31
Views
2K
Back
Top