- #1
pardesi
- 339
- 0
Why do all rays coming from far off distance from a source(may be planar)... converging at a point need to travel the same Optical Path Length(OPL)
Usually they don't travel the same OPL.pardesi said:Why do all rays coming from far off distance from a source(may be planar)... converging at a point need to travel the same Optical Path Length(OPL)
For a truly planar object with its plane is normal to the direction of the rays, then you can estimate the maximum difference in the OPL from its largest dimension (say 2d) and the distance to the point of convergence (call this D):pardesi said:Why do all rays coming from far off distance from a source(may be planar)... converging at a point need to travel the same Optical Path Length(OPL)
The convergence of light rays refers to the process in which parallel light rays that travel in the same direction come together and meet at a single point. This can occur when the light rays pass through a lens or other optical element that causes them to change direction and converge at a focal point.
The convergence of light rays plays a crucial role in image formation. When light rays converge at a focal point, they create a clear and focused image. This is because the light rays that pass through the center of the lens are less refracted and converge at a single point, while the rays that pass through the edges of the lens are more refracted and converge at different points. This results in a clear and sharp image at the focal point.
The Optical Path Length (OPL) is the distance that a light ray travels through a medium, such as air or a lens, from its source to its endpoint. It takes into account any changes in direction or speed of the light ray due to the medium's refractive index. The OPL is an important factor in determining the convergence of light rays and the formation of an image.
The OPL affects the convergence of light rays by determining the amount of refraction that occurs. Light rays that travel through a medium with a higher refractive index will experience a greater change in direction, resulting in a larger convergence angle. This can result in a more focused and clear image, as the light rays will converge at a single point.
The convergence of light rays and the OPL can be affected by several factors, including the shape and curvature of the lens, the refractive index of the medium, and the angle at which the light rays enter the medium. Other factors such as the wavelength of light and the distance between the source and endpoint can also impact the convergence of light rays and the OPL.