Optics
5 terms
Magnification
Optics
Dimensionless
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
Malus's Law
Optics
W/m²
The law stating that intensity of linearly polarized light transmitted through an analyzer is proportional to the squared cosine of the angle between polarizer and analyzer transmission axes.
I = I0 cos² θ
Michelson Interferometer
Optics
m
An optical instrument that splits a beam of light into two perpendicular paths and recombines them to create high-precision interference fringes.
2 d = m λ
Minimum Deviation
Optics
Degrees (°)
The minimum value of deviation angle achieved when light passes symmetrically through a triangular prism.
n = sin[(A + δ_m)/2] / sin(A/2)
Mirage
Optics
N/A
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)