Plano-convexlenswhich side to use

predicts how the ray will change direction as it passes from one medium into another, or as it is reflected from the interface between two media. The angles in this equation are referenced to a surface normal, as is illustrated below.

Esco manufactures Plano-convex lenses from S1-UV Grade Fused Silica, G1 Fused Quartz, Commercial Grade, and BK7 Optical Glass. Every optic is pitch polished, providing good surface quality and an exceptional low-cost imaging performance with a variety of light sources.

If n1n2, then the angle of refraction is larger than the angle of incidence…when there is an angle of refraction! Imagine the angle of incidence getting larger and larger for the case of n1>n2. Eventually the refracted ray will make an angle of 90° with the surface normal. If the angle of incidence is increased beyond that angle, then refraction does not occur! All of the light incident on the interface is reflected back into the incident medium! The smallest angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs is called the critical angle, qc. Using Snell’s law,

Biconvexlens

We also offer plano-concave lenses, which have negative focal length components and one concave surface. For information on our optic lens custom work, contact Esco today.

In the following figure, a ray is incident on an interface between two dissimilar media. A plane that includes the incident ray and a line drawn normal to the surface is called the plane of incidence. This plane also contains the reflected and refracted rays. A refracted ray is transmitted into the second medium and travels in a different direction than the incident ray. The angle that the incident, reflected, and refracted rays make with the surface normal are called the angles of incidence, qi , reflection, qr, and refraction, qt, respectively. The refractive index of medium 1 is n1 and of medium 2 is n2.

Plano-convex mirror

Thorlabs Plano-ConvexLens

These diagrams illustrate two different cases of refraction. Total internal refraction is depicted in the sketch on the right.

Esco Optics, Inc. 95 Chamberlain Road, Oak Ridge, New Jersey 07438 Tel: 1-800-922-3726 | Fax: 1-973-697-3011Sales@EscoOptics.com

ITAR registered and compliant, Esco manufactures ITAR optics for all of its customers with the strictest confidentiality.

Plano-convexlensuses

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In order to follow the quickest path through a system, a ray changes direction as it travels from a medium of one refractive index to another medium that has a different refractive index.

plano-convexlensformula

Plano-convex lenses are positive focal length elements that have one spherical surface and one flat surface. These lenses are designed for infinite conjugate (parallel light) use or simple imaging in non-critical applications. These optic lenses are ideal for all-purpose focusing elements.

Esco Optics is a leading manufacturer of custom and catalog optics, precision optical components, and ITAR optics in the United States.

Many devices take advantage of the total internal reflection, including optical waveguides (like optical fiber). A waveguide is a length of transparent material that is surrounded by material that has a lower index of refraction. Rays that intersect the interface between the waveguide material and the surrounding material at angles equal to or larger than the critical angle are trapped in the waveguide and travel losslessly along it.