Optics — 5 Terms Defined

Optics

The ratio of image height to object height, or ratio of image distance to object distance in an optical system.

m = h_image / h_object = -v / u Dimensionless

Optics

The law stating that intensity of linearly polarized light transmitted through an analyzer is proportional to the squared cosine of the…

I = I0 cos² θ W/m²

Optics

An optical instrument that splits a beam of light into two perpendicular paths and recombines them to create high-precision interference…

2 d = m λ m

Optics

The minimum value of deviation angle achieved when light passes symmetrically through a triangular prism.

n = sin[(A + δ_m)/2] / sin(A/2) Degrees (°)

Optics

An optical illusion caused by continuous refraction of light rays passing through air layers with steep temperature and density gradients.

n(z) = f(Temperature gradient) N/A