Ray Optics – Optical Instruments

Simple Microscope
A convex lens of short focal length can be used to see magnified image of a small object and is called simple
microscope or magnifying glass.
Case – 1 – Image is formed at least distance of distinct vision (25 cm).
Principle.
When a small object is placed between the optical centre and the focus of a convex lens, its virtual, erect and
magnified image is formed on the same side of the lens.
Working
An object 𝐴𝐵 is placed in between focus 𝐹 and optical centre 𝑂 of a convex lens of focal length 𝑓 . Position
of lens and object is adjusted such that image is formed at at least distance of distinct vision 𝐷.
Magnifying power (Angular magnification)
It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image to the angle subtended at the eye by
the object, when both are at least distance of distinct vision.
𝐵′

𝐵
𝑀

𝛼 𝛽
𝐴′ 𝐹 𝐴 𝑂 𝐹

𝑓
𝐷

𝛼 − Angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at least distance of distinct vision.
𝛽 − Angle subtended at the eye by the image when it is formed at least distance of distinct vision.
By the definition,
𝛽
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚= − − − − − (1)
𝛼
Since angles 𝛼 and 𝛽 are small, 𝛼 ≈ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛼 and 𝛽 ≈ tan 𝛽, therefore equ (1) becomes
tan 𝛽
𝑚= − − − (2)
tan 𝛼
𝐴′ 𝑀 𝐴𝐵
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝑀𝑂, tan 𝛼 = ′ = ′ − − − (3) [∵ 𝐴′ 𝑀 = 𝐴𝐵]
𝐴𝑂 𝐴𝑂
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ 𝑂, tan 𝛽 = ′ − − − −(4)
𝐴𝑂

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Using equ (3) and (4) in equ (2), we get

𝐴′𝐵′
( )
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ ℎ′
𝐴′ 𝑂
𝑚= = =
( ′ ) 𝐴𝐵
𝐴𝐵 ℎ
𝐴𝑂

𝒉′
𝒎 = = 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝒉
We know that, linear magnification
ℎ′ 𝑣 𝑣
𝑚 = = = 1−
ℎ 𝑢 𝑓
Using sign convention, we have 𝑣 = −𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓 = 𝑓 ( 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑥 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠)
Therefore
−𝐷
𝑚 =1−
𝑓
𝑫
𝒎𝑫 = 𝟏 +
𝒇
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➢ Magnifying power of simple microscope increases with decrease in focal length of the lens.
➢ When image is formed at near point (D), angular magnification is equal to the linear magnification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case – 2 – Image is formed at infinity.
Principle.
When a small object is placed at the focus of a convex lens, its virtual, erect and magnified image is formed
at infinity, on the same side of the lens.
Working
An object 𝐴𝐵 is placed at the focus 𝐹 of a convex lens of focal length 𝑓 . Position of lens and object is
adjusted such that image is formed at infinity.

𝐵
𝑀

𝛽
𝐴 𝛼
′
𝐴 𝐹 𝑂 𝐹

𝑢=𝑓

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Magnifying power (Angular magnification)

It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image which is formed at infinity to the
angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at the near point of the eye.

𝛼 − Angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at least distance of distinct vision.
𝛽 − Angle subtended at the eye by the object when it is formed at infinity.
By the definition,
𝛽
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚= − − − − − (1)
𝛼
Since angles 𝛼 and 𝛽 are small, 𝛼 ≈ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛼 and 𝛽 ≈ tan 𝛽, therefore equ (1) becomes
tan 𝛽
𝑚= − − − (2)
tan 𝛼
𝐴′ 𝑀 𝐴𝐵
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝑀𝑂, tan 𝛼 = ′ = ′ − − − (3) [∵ 𝐴′ 𝑀 = 𝐴𝐵]
𝐴𝑂 𝐴𝑂
𝐴𝐵
From ∆ 𝐴𝐵𝑂, tan 𝛽 = − − − −(4)
𝐴𝑂
Using equ (3) and (4) in equ (2), we get
𝐴𝐵
(𝐴𝑂) 𝐴′ 𝑂
𝑚= =
𝐴𝐵
(𝐴′ 𝑂) 𝐴𝑂

Using sign convention

𝐴′ 𝑂 = −𝐷, 𝐴𝑂 = −𝑓
−𝑫
𝒎=
−𝒇
𝑫
𝒎∞ =
𝒇
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➢ 𝒎𝑫 = 𝟏 + 𝒎∞
➢ Maximum angular magnification can be obtained when the image is formed at the near point.
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Compound microscope
Construction
It consists of two lenses. A lens of short focal length and short aperture facing the object is called the object
lens, another lens of short focal length but large aperture is called the eye lens. The two lenses are fixed
coaxially at the two ends of a tube.

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Case – 1 – Image is formed at least distance of distinct vision (25 cm).

Working and Principle
When a small object 𝐴𝐵 is placed just outside the focus 𝐹𝑜 of the object lens, its real, inverted and magnified
image 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ is produced on the other side of the lens and in between the focus 𝐹𝑒 and optical centre 𝑂′ of
the eye lens. This image acts as object for eye lens. Position of 𝐴𝐵 can be adjusted in such a way that eye
lens forms virtual erect and magnified image 𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′ at the near point of the eye.

𝐸𝑦𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠

𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠
𝐵 𝑀

𝐹0 𝐴′′ 𝐴′ 𝛼
𝐴
𝐹0 𝑂 𝐹𝑒 𝛽 𝑂′

𝑓𝑜
𝐵′

𝑓𝑒
𝐵′′
𝑣𝑜 𝑢𝑒

Magnifying power (Angular magnification)

It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image to the angle subtended at the eye by
the object, when both are at least distance of distinct vision.
𝛼 − Angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at least distance of distinct vision.
𝛽 − Angle subtended at the eye by the image when it is formed at least distance of distinct vision.
By the definition,
𝛽
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚= − − − − − (1)
𝛼
Since angles 𝛼 and 𝛽 are small, 𝛼 ≈ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛼 and 𝛽 ≈ tan 𝛽, therefore equ (1) becomes
tan 𝛽
𝑚= − − − (2)
tan 𝛼
𝐴′′ 𝑀 𝐴𝐵
From ∆ 𝐴′′ 𝑀𝑂′ , tan 𝛼 = ′′ ′ = ′′ ′ − − − (3) [∵ 𝐴′′ 𝑀 = 𝐴𝐵]
𝐴 𝑂 𝐴 𝑂
𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′
From ∆ 𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′ 𝑂, tan 𝛽 = ′′ − − − −(4)
𝐴 𝑂
Using equ (3) and (4) in equ (2), we get

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𝐴′′ 𝐵′′
( )
𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′
𝐴′′ 𝑂
𝑚= =
( ′′ ′ )
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵
𝐴 𝑂

𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′
𝑚=
𝐴𝐵
Multiplying and dividing by 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ , we have

𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′ 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
𝑚= × ′ ′
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵
′′ ′′
𝐴 𝐵 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
𝑚= ′ ′ ×
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵
𝒎 = 𝒎𝒆 × 𝒎 𝒐 − − − −(𝟓)
𝐴′ 𝐵′
Where 𝑚𝑜 = , 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠.
𝐴𝐵
𝐴′′ 𝐵′′
Where 𝑚𝑒 = 𝐴′ 𝐵′
, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑦𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠.

By definition, linear magnification produced by the object lens,

𝑣𝑜
𝑚0 = − − − −(6)
𝑢𝑜
𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑣𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑜 = − 𝑢𝑜
𝒗𝒐
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢 (6) ⇒ 𝒎𝟎 = − − − − −(7)
𝒖𝒐
By definition, linear magnification produced by the eye lens,
𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑒
𝑚𝑒 = = 1− − − − −(8)
𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑒
𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑣𝑒 = −𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑒 = 𝑓𝑒
𝑫
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢 (8) ⇒ 𝒎𝒆 = 𝟏 + − − − (9)
𝒇𝒆
Using equ (7) and (8) in equ (5), we get
𝒗𝒐 𝑫
𝒎==− (𝟏 + )
𝒖𝒐 𝒇𝒆
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In practice, the focal length of the object lens is very short and object is placed just near to the focus of the
object lens.
∴ 𝑢𝑜 = 𝑓𝑜
Focal length of eye lens is also small, therefore the distance of the image 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ from the object lens is nearly
equal to the tube length of the microscope.
∴ 𝑣𝑜 = 𝐿

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𝑳 𝑫
∴ 𝒎==− (𝟏 + )
𝒇𝒐 𝒇𝒆
➢ To have large magnification, object lens and eye lens should have small focal length.
➢ Negative sign shows that final image formed is inverted.
➢ In practice, 𝑓𝑜 < 𝑓𝑒
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Case – 2 – Image is formed at infinity.
Working and Principle
When a small object 𝐴𝐵 is placed just outside the focus 𝐹𝑜 of the object lens, its real, inverted and magnified
image 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ is produced on the other side of the lens at the focus 𝐹𝑒 of the eye lens. This image acts as
object for eye lens. Position of 𝐴𝐵 can be adjusted in such a way that eye lens forms virtual erect and
magnified image at infinity.
Magnifying power (Angular magnification)
It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image which is formed at infinity to the
angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at the near point of the eye.

𝐸𝑦𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠

𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠
𝐵 𝑀

𝐹0 𝐴′ 𝛼
𝐴
𝐹0 𝑂 𝐹𝑒 𝛽 𝑂′

𝑓𝑜
𝐵′

𝑓𝑒

𝑣𝑜 𝑢𝑒

Magnifying power of a compound microscope is given by

𝒎 = 𝒎𝒆 × 𝒎𝒐 − − − −(𝟏)
Magnification produced by the object lens,
𝑣𝑜
𝑚0 = − − − − −(2)
𝑢𝑜
Magnification produced by the eye lens,
𝐷
𝑚𝑒 = − − − (3)
𝑓𝑒

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Using equ (2) and (3) in equ (1), we get

𝒗𝒐 𝑫
𝒎==− ×
𝒖𝒐 𝒇𝒆
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Telescope
A telescope is an instrument for seeing the distant objects clearly and magnified.
There are two types of telescopes
Astronomical telescopes: A telescope used to see the heavenly bodies is called an astronomical telescope. It
produces a real and inverted image.
Terrestrial telescopes: A telescope used to see the objects on the earth is called a terrestrial telescope. It
produces virtual image.
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Astronomical telescopes:
Construction
It consists of two lenses. A lens of large focal length and large aperture facing the object is called the object
lens, another lens of short focal length and small aperture is called the eye lens. These two lenses are
mounted coaxially in two metallic tubes. The tube holding the eye lens can be made to slide inside the
tube holding the object lens with the help of rack and pinion arrangement.
Case – 1 – Image is formed at least distance of distinct vision (25 cm).
Working and Principle
The objective lens forms real and inverted image 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ of the distant object at its focal plane. The distance
of the eye lens from the object lens is adjusted, till the final image 𝐴′′ 𝐵 ′′ is formed at the least distance of
distinct vision.

𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝐸𝑦𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠

𝑢𝑒

𝐹𝑒 𝐹0
𝛼 𝐴′′ 𝐴′ 𝑂′
𝑂 𝛼 𝛽
𝐵′

𝐵′′ 𝐷
𝑓𝑜

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Magnifying power (Angular magnification)

It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image formed at the least distance of distinct
vision to the angle subtended at the eye by the object lying at infinity.
𝛼 − Angle subtended at the eye by the object which is placed at least distance of distinct vision.
𝛽 − Angle subtended at the eye by the image when it is formed at least distance of distinct vision.
By the definition,
𝛽
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚= − − − − − (1)
𝛼
Since angles 𝛼 and 𝛽 are small, 𝛼 ≈ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛼 and 𝛽 ≈ tan 𝛽, therefore equ (1) becomes
tan 𝛽
𝑚= − − − (2)
tan 𝛼
′ ′
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
From ∆ 𝐴 𝐵 𝑂 , tan 𝛼 = ′ − − − (3)
𝐴𝑂
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ 𝑂′ , tan 𝛽 = ′ ′ − − − (4)
𝐴𝑂
Using equ (3) and (4) in equ (2), we get
𝐴′ 𝐵′
(𝐴′ 𝑂′ ) 𝐴′ 𝑂
𝑚= 𝐴′ 𝐵′
=
( 𝐴′ 𝑂 ) 𝐴′ 𝑂′

𝐴′ 𝑂
𝑚= ′ ′ − − − (5)
𝐴𝑂
Using sign convention, we have
𝐴′ 𝑂′ = −𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴′ 𝑂 = 𝑓𝑜
Therefore equ (5) becomes,
𝑓𝑜
𝑚= − − − (6)
−𝑢𝑒
For the eye lens, the lens equation may be written as
1 1 1
= − − − − (7)
𝑓𝑒 𝑣𝑒 𝑢𝑒
Using sign convention, we have
𝑣𝑒 = −𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑒 = −𝑢𝑒
Therefore equ (7) becomes,
1 1 1
= −
𝑓𝑒 −𝐷 −𝑢𝑒
1 1 1
= +
𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑒 𝐷
1 1 𝑓𝑒
= (1 + ) − − − (8)
𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑒 𝐷

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Using equ (8) in equ (2), we get

𝒇𝒐 𝒇𝒆
𝒎=− (𝟏 + )
𝒇𝒆 𝑫
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➢ To have large magnification, object lens should have large focal length and eye lens should have small
focal length.
➢ Negative sign shows that final image formed is inverted.
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Case – 2 – Image is formed at infinity. (Normal adjustment)
Working and Principle
The objective lens forms real and inverted image 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ of the distant object at its focal plane. The distance
of the eye lens from the object lens is adjusted, till the final image is formed at infinity.
Magnifying power (Angular magnification)
It is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the image to the angle subtended at the eye by
the object, when both are at infinity.

𝑂𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝐸𝑦𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠

𝛼 𝐹𝑒 𝐹0 𝑂′
𝑂 𝛼 𝐴′ 𝛽
𝐵′

𝑓𝑜 𝑓𝑒

𝛽
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚= − − − − − (1)
𝛼
Since angles 𝛼 and 𝛽 are small, 𝛼 ≈ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛼 and 𝛽 ≈ tan 𝛽, therefore equ (1) becomes
tan 𝛽
𝑚= − − − (2)
tan 𝛼
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ 𝑂 , tan 𝛼 = − − − (3)
𝐴′ 𝑂
𝐴′ 𝐵 ′
From ∆ 𝐴′ 𝐵 ′ 𝑂′ , tan 𝛽 = ′ ′ − − − (4)
𝐴𝑂
Using equ (3) and (4) in equ (2), we get

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𝐴′ 𝐵′
( 𝐴′ 𝑂 )
𝐴′ 𝑂′
𝑚= = ′ ′
𝐴′ 𝐵′
( ′ ) 𝐴𝑂
𝐴𝑂

𝐴′ 𝑂
𝑚= − − − (5)
𝐴′ 𝑂′
Using sign convention, we have
𝐴′ 𝑂′ = −𝑓𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴′ 𝑂 = 𝑓𝑜
Therefore equ (5) becomes,
𝑓𝑜
𝑚=− − − − (6)
𝑓𝑒
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➢ To have large magnification, object lens should have large focal length and eye lens should have small
focal length.
➢ Negative sign shows that final image formed is inverted.
➢ When final image is formed at infinity (normal adjustment), Length of the tube 𝑳 = 𝒇𝒐 + 𝒇𝒆
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Reflecting type telescope

Schematic diagram of a reflecting telescope (Cassegrain).

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Advantages of a reflecting type telescope
(1) Reflecting type telescopes are free from chromatic aberration.
(2) Spherical aberration can be minimized by parabolic mirrors.
(3) A concave mirror of large aperture can be easily manufactured and hence due to very large light
gathering power, it enables to see even very faint stars.
(4) They are light in both cost and weight.
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Features of telescopes
A telescope should have
(i) High magnifying power
(ii) High resolving power
(iii) Large light gathering power.
High magnifying power
𝑓
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑚 = − 𝑓𝑜
𝑒

To have large magnification, object lens should have large focal length and eye lens should have small
focal length.
High resolving power
Resolving power of a telescope is given by
𝟏 𝑫
𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 = =
𝜽 𝟏. 𝟐𝟐𝝀
Where 𝜆 is wavelength of the radiation used and 𝐷 is the diameter of he objective lens.
Therefore, to have large resolving power, objective should have large aperture.
Large light gathering power
Brightness of the image depends up on the amount of light gathered by the telescope from the distant
object. A telescope with large aperture collects large light.
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝛼 𝐷2
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Jojesh- Physics Page 11 of 11