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Using the matrix method in optics: system of lenses

Undergraduate Physics majors have usually developed knowledge and operational abilities in Linear Algebra, particularly determinants and matrices, and in the use of software. The matrix method is used thoroughly in the analysis of optical phenomena, making good use of that fact so that many optical systems can be satisfactorily describe by linear models. A didactic experiment which integrates knowledge from Algebra, Computers and Optics to design of a Cooke's triplet used in photographic cameras base on the matrix method, is described in the present work. The students manage to integrate previous knowledge during the problem solving, as initially proposed.

matrix optics; lenses systems; transfer matrix; knowledge integration


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