The optical matrix formalism is developed by applying Snell law to describe the refraction of optical rays in a spherical surface. This formalism is then applied to find and justify typical parameters and expressions as focal distance, image condition and lateral magnification for a thin spherical lenses immerse in air. Also, the case of thin spherical lenses immersed in two media with different refraction index is studied, and the corresponding parameters and expressions are found.
Keywords:
matrix optics; thin lenses; focus; lateral magnification
