Lens Shape

Lens Shape - Java Tutorial

This tutorial explores the effect that lens shape can have on the interaction between an optical element and the light passing through it. Each side of the "window" is adjustable to produce a concave or convex surface using the sliders below.

This applet also considers refraction, convergence, and divergence of light as it passes through the lens from the left-hand side of the applet. Important values are delineated on the optical axis of the lens(es). The values F and F' are real and imaginary focal points (respectively), O is the object being imaged and I is the point where the image occurs. In situations where a real focal point occurs, the effects of optical aberrations are illustrated as separately colored (red and green) lines of focus.