1 1 1

+ =
𝑠& 𝑠% 𝑓

[1]

Lensmaker’s equation

For a given simple lens, the focal length f can be calculated using the Lensmaker’s Equation (also derived from
Snell’s law):

1 1 1
𝑛% − 𝑛& + =
𝑟& 𝑟% 𝑓

The parameters r1 and r2 represent the radius of curvature of each of the two lens surfaces (front and back). This
version assumes a thin lens approximation, which means that the lens thickness is small relative to r1 and r2.
Also, it is typically assumed that n1= 1, which is approximately true for air.

1.4 Point Spread Function

The light emitted from a point object is focused by the lens at a corresponding point in the image plane.
However, even if the lens is ideal, it does not focus the emitted light to an infinitely small point in the image
plane because of diffraction. Rather, light waves converge and interfere at the focal point to produce a diffraction
pattern, the Airy disk:

An Airy disk and the profile of light intensity.

For an extended object, this effect appears as a blur: