Optics Formulas

Thin Lens Equation

Reference for thin lens equation 1/f = 1/do + 1/di and magnification m = -di/do. Covers converging and diverging lenses with real and virtual image examples.

Beer-Lambert Law

The Beer-Lambert Law explained — how light absorbance relates to concentration and path length. Includes formula, variables, and spectrophotometry examples.

Lensmaker's Equation

Reference for the lensmaker's equation relating focal length to radii of curvature and refractive index. Essential for optical design, cameras, and eyeglasses.

Diffraction Grating Formula

Calculate diffraction grating angles using d sin(theta) = m lambda. Used in spectrometers to separate light into wavelengths.

Fresnel Equations

Calculate how much light is reflected and transmitted at a surface using the Fresnel equations. Essential for lens coatings, fiber optics, and glass design.

Rayleigh Criterion

Reference for Rayleigh criterion θ = 1.22λ/D for optical resolution. Returns diffraction-limited resolution for telescopes, microscopes, and camera lenses.

Thin Film Interference Formula

Calculate thin film interference using 2nt cos(theta) = m lambda. Explains soap bubbles, oil slicks, and anti-reflective coatings.

Thin Lens Equation

Reference for the thin lens equation 1/f = 1/do + 1/di. Calculate focal length, object distance, or image distance for converging and diverging lenses.

Brewster's Angle

Reference for Brewster's angle θ_B = arctan(n2/n1) at which reflected light is fully polarized. Covers glass, water, polarized sunglasses, and camera filters.

Magnification Formula

Calculate optical magnification for lenses and mirrors. Find image size, object distance, and magnification ratio for microscopes, cameras, and telescopes.

Mirror Formula

Reference for the mirror formula 1/f = 1/v + 1/u. Calculates image position and magnification for concave and convex mirrors, real and virtual images.

Numerical Aperture Formula

Calculate numerical aperture (NA) for optical fibers and microscope objectives. Covers acceptance angle, light-gathering power, and resolution limit formulas.

Snell's Law

Reference for Snell's Law n1 sin(θ1) = n2 sin(θ2). Covers refraction angles for air, glass, and water, plus total internal reflection and critical angle.

Thin Lens Formula

Reference for the thin lens equation 1/f = 1/do + 1/di. Covers magnification, real vs virtual images, and converging/diverging lens uses.