Vergence:

The Vergence Formula

Basic Optics, Chapter 3
 2

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

A +1D lens will focus parallel rays 1m to the right of the lens
+1D
Distance = 1 m
Reciprocal = 1/1
Diopters = +1

1 meter

We have seen how the dioptric power of a lens affects incoming parallel rays.

A -1D lens will ‘focus’ parallel rays1m to the left of the lens
-1D
Distance = -1 m
Reciprocal = 1/-1
Diopters = -1

-1 meter
(Remember, distances to the left of the lens are considered ‘minus’)
 3

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

non
A +1D lens will focus parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
+1D ^

?
Diopters = +1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?

We have seen how the dioptric power of a lens affects incoming parallel rays. But what if the rays are not parallel?

non
A -1D lens will ‘focus’ parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
^

?
-1D
Diopters = -1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?
 4

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

non
A +1D lens will focus parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
+1D ^

?
Diopters = +1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?

We have seen how the dioptric power of a lens affects incoming parallel rays. But what if the rays are not parallel?
We need a more generalized concept concerning the relationships among incoming/outgoing rays, and lenses.

non
A -1D lens will ‘focus’ parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
^

?
-1D
Diopters = -1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?
 5

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

non
A +1D lens will focus parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
+1D ^

?
Diopters = +1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?

We have seen how the dioptric power of a lens affects incoming parallel rays. But what if the rays are not parallel?
We need a more generalized concept concerning the relationships among incoming/outgoing rays, and lenses.

This is provided by The Vergence Formula

non
A -1D lens will ‘focus’ parallel rays ?m to the ? of the lens
^

?
-1D
Diopters = -1
Reciprocal = ?
Distance = ?
 6

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

 7

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

 Crucial concept in optics
 8

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

 Crucial concept in optics
 Describes the vergence relations among rays
before, during and after encountering a refractive
surface (e.g., lens)
 9

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

 Crucial concept in optics
 Describes the vergence relations among rays
before, during and after encountering a refractive
surface (e.g., lens)
 Head’s up: We will also use the Vergence Formula in
describing the relations among rays interacting with
reflecting surfaces, i.e., mirrors
 10

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
 11

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

Vergence of
incoming light
(in diopters)

U+P=V
 12

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

Vergence of Vergence contributed
incoming light by lens (in diopters)
(in diopters)

U+P=V
 13

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

Vergence of Vergence contributed Vergence of
incoming light by lens (in diopters) light leaving lens
(in diopters) (in diopters)

U+P=V
 14

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

 The Vergence Formula

Vergence of Vergence contributed Vergence of
incoming light by lens (in diopters) light leaving lens
(in diopters) (in diopters)

U+P=V

tl;dr The vergence of light leaving a lens is the sum of the vergence of
the light entering the lens and the vergence contributed by the lens itself
 15

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+1D

Parallel rays, therefore

U=0
 16

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+1D

+1D lens, therefore P = +1D

Parallel rays, therefore

U=0 P=+1D
 17

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
0 + (+1) = V
+1D

+1D lens, therefore P = +1D

Parallel rays, therefore

U=0 P=+1D
 18

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
0 + (+1) = V
+1D +1 = V

Parallel rays, therefore

P=+1D V = +1D
U=0
 19

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
0 + (+1) = V
+1D +1 = V

Parallel rays, therefore

P=+1D V = +1D
U=0

Distance?

Distance equals the reciprocal of the outgoing vergence, ie, 1/V

 20

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
0 + (+1) = V
+1D +1 = V

Parallel rays, therefore

P=+1D V = +1D
U=0

1/+1 = 1 meter

Distance equals the reciprocal of the outgoing vergence, ie, 1/V

 21

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+2D

U=0 P=+2D V=?

 22

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+2D

U=0 P=+2D V = +2D

Distance = ?
 23

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+2D

U=0 P=+2D V = +2D

Distance = 1/2 = .5m

 24

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+3D

U=? P=+3D

To determine the vergence U of the incoming light,

take the reciprocal of the distance from its source
-.4 meters or focal point:
 25

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V
+3D

U = 1/-.4m = P=+3D
-2.5D

Remember, the vergence of

diverging rays is always negative!

To determine the vergence U of the incoming light,

take the reciprocal of the distance from its source
-.4 meters or focal point:
U = 1/-.4m = -2.5D
 26

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
-2.5 + (+3) = V
+3D +0.5 = V

U = -2.5D P=+3D V = +0.5D

-.4 meters
 27

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
-2.5 + (+3) = V
+3D +0.5 = V

U = -2.5D P=+3D V = +0.5D

-.4 meters Distance = ?

Distance equals the reciprocal of the outgoing vergence, ie, 1/V

 28

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
-2.5 + (+3) = V
+3D +0.5 = V

U = -2.5D P=+3D V = +0.5D

-.4 meters Distance = 1/.5 = 2m

Distance equals the reciprocal of the outgoing vergence, ie, 1/V

 29

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V

-1D

U = 1/-1m P=
= -1D -1D

-1 meter
 30

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
-1 + (-1) = V
-2 = V

-1D

U = 1/-1m P=
-1D V = -2D
= -1D

-1 meter
 31

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
-1 + (-1) = V
-2 = V

-1D

U = 1/-1m P=
-1D V = -2D
= -1D

-1 meter

1/-2 = -.5 meters

 32

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
Note that the cartoon seems to indicate that the -1 + (-1) = V
lens causes the rays to originate from this point.
This of course is not what happens. Nonetheless, -2 = V
the lens does cause the exiting rays to diverge
as if they did! Weirder still, this point is considered
a focal point, even though the rays act as if they
are leaving, not approaching it. More shortly! -1D

U = 1/-1m P=
-1D V = -2D
= -1D

-1 meter

1/-2 = -.5 meters

 33

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V

-1D

P=
U=? -1D

To determine U, we need to know…

 34

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V

-1D
The vergence of converging
rays is always positive!

P=
U = 1/+0.5 = +2D -1D

+0.5 meters
To determine U, we need to know…this distance.
 35

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

U+P=V Plugging these values into the Vergence Formula:

U+P=V
+2 + (-1) = V
+1 = V

-1D

P=
U = 1/+0.5 = +2D -1D

+0.5 meters

Distance = 1/V = 1/1 = 1 meter

 36

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

+4D +3D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 37

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

+4D +3D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 38

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4
V = +2
The image from the first lens is 1/2
= .5 m to the right of the first lens

+4D +3D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 39

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D
V = +2
The image from the first lens is 1/2
= .5 m to the right of the first lens

+4D +3D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 40

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D
The image from the first lens is 1/2
= .5 m to the right of the first lens

+4D +3D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 41

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D
The image from the first lens is 1/2
= .5 m to the right of the first lens

+4D +3D
Object Image

0.5 m

-0.5 m 1m
 42

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens: For the +3D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D P = +3
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D V = +1
The image from the first lens is 1/2 The image formed by the second lens is 1/1
= .5 m to the right of the first lens = 1 m to the right of the second lens

+4D +3D
Object
Object Image

0.5 m -0.5 m

-0.5 m 1m
 43

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens: For the +3D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D P = +3D
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D V = +1
The image from the first lens is 1/2 The image formed by the second lens is 1/1
= .5 m to the right of the first lens = 1 m to the right of the second lens

+4D +3D
Object
Object Image

0.5 m -0.5 m

-0.5 m 1m
 44

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens: For the +3D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D P = +3D
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D V = -2 + (+3) = +1D
The image from the first lens is 1/2 The image formed by the second lens is 1/1
= .5 m to the right of the first lens = 1 m to the right of the second lens

+4D +3D
Object
Object Image

0.5 m -0.5 m

-0.5 m 1m
 45

Vergence: The
An objectVergence Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a +4D lens, which
is in turn 1 m to the left of a +3D lens. Where will the
final image be with respect to the second lens??
1 m to the right of the second lens. To solve vergence
problems such as this one, the key is to solve U+P=V
for the first lens, then treat the image thus produced as
U+P=V the object for the next lens. This can be continued for any
number of lenses.

For the +4D lens: For the +3D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = +4D P = +3D
V = -2 + (+4) = +2D V = -2 + (+3) = +1D
The image from the first lens is 1/2 The image formed by the second lens is 1/1
= .5 m to the right of the first lens = 1 m to the right of the second lens

+4D +3D
Object
Object Image Image

0.5 m -0.5 m

-0.5 m 1m 1m
 46

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?

U+P=V

-2D +1D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 47

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D

-2D +1D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 48

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = -2D

-2D +1D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 49

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = -2D
V = -2 + (-2) = -4D

-2D +1D
Object

-0.5 m 1m
 50

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D
P = -2D
V = -2 + (-2) = -4D
The image from the first lens is 1/-4
= .25 m to the left of the first lens

-2D +1D
Image
Object

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m
 51

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1
V = -4D V = +0.2
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image formed by the second lens is
= .25 m to the left of the first lens 1/+0.2 = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m

-1.25 m
 52

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D
V = -4D V = +0.2
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image formed by the second lens is
= .25 m to the left of the first lens 1/+0.2 = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m

-1.25 m
 53

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D
V = -4D V = -0.8 + (+1) = +0.2D
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image formed by the second lens is
= .25 m to the left of the first lens 1/+0.2 = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m

-1.25 m
 54

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.

U+P=V
For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D
V = -4D V = -0.8 + (+1) = +0.2D
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image formed by the second lens is
= .25 m to the left of the first lens 1/+0.2 = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m
 55

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m

U+P=V
For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:
U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D Distance from object
V = -4D V = -0.8 + (+1) = +0.2D to image = 6.50 m
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image formed by the second lens is
= .25 m to the left of the first lens 1/+0.2 = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 56

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m

U+P=V
But-2D
For the it looks
lens:like the rays from the first image/second object have to pass through the -2D lens
For the +1D lens:
twice=before
U = 1/-0.5 -2 reaching the +1D lens. Doesn’t this refract those rays again?
U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8
P = -2NO. After the light bouncing off the physical P = +1object passes through the -2D lens, it Distance
acts as if from
it object
V = -4camepass
First fromthrough
the first
theimage/second
lens object location,
V = +0.2 but it’s not really coming from there. In fact,
to image = 6.50 m
The image
as we from the first
will come lens clinical
to see, is 1/-4 optics isThe
less a description
image from the of what light
second lens actually
is 1/+0.2does than it is
= .25ampowerful
to the left of the first
metaphor lens
that allows us to make
Second useful
= 5 mthrough
pass descriptions
to the the
right (and prescriptions!)
of the second
lens? lens of what
light does. In essence, clinical optics is a convenient fiction. More on this (much) later.
Object -2D +1D
Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 57

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m

U+P=V
But-2D
For the it looks
lens:like the rays from the first image/second object have to pass through the -2D lens
For the +1D lens:
twice=before
U = 1/-0.5 -2 reaching the +1D lens. Doesn’t this refract those rays again?
U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8
P = -2NO. After the light bouncing off the physical P = +1object passes through the -2D lens, it Distance
acts as if from
it object
V = -4came from the first image/second object location,
V = +0.2 but it’s not really coming from there. In fact,
to image = 6.50 m
The image
as we from the first
will come lens clinical
to see, is 1/-4 optics isThe
less a description
image from the of what light
second lens actually
is 1/+0.2does than it is
= .25ampowerful
to the left of the first
metaphor lens
that allows us to =make useful
5 m to descriptions
the right (and prescriptions!)
of the second lens of what
light does. In essence, clinical optics is a convenient fiction. More on this (much) later.
Object -2D +1D
Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 58

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.
OK, but there’s another problem. Clearly, the rays that have passed through
the -2D are far too divergent to pass through the +1D lens—they’re going to

U+P=V
miss it by a mile! How can these rays possibly be refracted by the second lens?
Don’t let such ‘drawing artifacts’ fool you—some of the light will make it through
the second lens.

For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D Distance from object
V = -4D V = +0.2D to image = 6.50 m
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image from the second lens is 1/+0.2
= .25 m to the left of the first lens = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 59

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.
OK, but there’s another problem. Clearly, the rays that have passed through
the -2D are far too divergent to pass through the +1D lens—they’re going to

U+P=V
miss it by a mile! How can these rays possibly be refracted by the second lens?
Don’t let such ‘drawing artifacts’ fool you—some of the light will make it through
the second lens.

For the -2D lens: For the +1D lens:

U = 1/-0.5 = -2D U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D Distance from object
V = -4D V = +0.2D to image = 6.50 m
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image from the second lens is 1/+0.2
= .25 m to the left of the first lens = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 60

Vergence: The Vergence

An object Formula
is located ½ m to the left of a -2D lens,
which is in turn 1 m to the left of a +1D lens. How far
is the final image from the object?
6.50 m.
OK, but there’s another problem. Clearly, the rays that have passed through
the -2D are far too divergent to pass through the +1D lens—they’re going to

U+P=V
miss it by a mile. How can these rays possibly be refracted by the second lens?
Don’t let such ‘drawing artifacts’ fool you—some of the light will make it through
the second lens.
In fact, to make this point explicitly, illustrators will
For the -2D lens:use dashed lines to ‘extend’For
sometimes a lens so lens:
the +1D
U = 1/-0.5 = -2
as to capture the rays in question. U = 1/-1.25 m = -0.8D
P = -2D P = +1D Distance from object
V = -4D V = +0.2D to image = 6.50 m
The image from the first lens is 1/-4 The image from the second lens is 1/+0.2
= .25 m to the left of the first lens = 5 m to the right of the second lens

Object -2D +1D

Image
Object Image

-.25 m
-0.5 m 1m 5m

-1.25 m

6.50 m
 61

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

 The ability of a lens to induce vergence is

expressed in diopters
 Dioptric power of a lens: The reciprocal of the
distance (in meters) to the point where incoming
parallel light rays would intersect after passing
through the lens

We encountered this slide a few minutes ago…

The notion that a diopter does something to light over the course of a meter
should remind you of the effect a prism has on light…
 62

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

1 PD

1 cm

(Obviously
not to scale)

1 meter

A prism diopter (PD, or D) displaces light 1 cm at 1 meter.

 63

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

1 PD

1 cm

(Obviously
not to scale)

1 meter

A prism diopter (PD, or D) displaces light 1 cm at 1 meter.

Which do prisms induce:

convergence or divergence?
Neither--prisms do not induce
vergence! Prisms cause light
rays to change direction, but
not to converge or diverge.
 64

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

1 PD

1 cm

(Obviously
not to scale)

1 meter

A prism diopter (PD, or D) displaces light 1 cm at 1 meter.

Which do prisms induce:

convergence or divergence?
Neither--prisms do not induce
vergence! Prisms cause light
rays to change direction, but
not to converge or diverge.
 65

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

1 PD

1 cm

(Obviously
not to scale)

1 meter

But, if we placed two prisms

base-to-base or apex-to-apex,
we could get light to converge
and diverge, respectively
 66

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

1D

1 meter

1 PD

1 cm

(Obviously
not to scale)

1 meter

In fact, we will at times find it very

= useful to think of lenses as being =
composed of prisms arranged in
just this manner!
 67

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

Of course, prisms also disperse white light into its component colors. They do
this because the different wavelengths are refracted different amounts. And
because they are composed of prisms… lenses do too.
 68

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

Of course, prisms also disperse white light into its component colors. They do
this because the different wavelengths are refracted different amounts. And
because they are composed of prisms…lenses do too.
 69

Vergence: The Vergence Formula

As we shall see in a
later chapter, this property
accounts for an important ocular phenomenon called chromatic aberration.