Oa-3 Ray Tracing
Published: Wednesday 15 March 2006 - Updated: Monday 28 March 2011
Aim
To demonstrate ray tracing through various optical elements including lenses, mirrors and prisms.
Apparatus
- Large fish tank
- 10 mW Laser
- Optical components
- Smoke source (Incense)
- TV camera and monitor
Diagrams
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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Ray Tracing Diagram |
Ray Tracing with Red Laser |
Ray Tracing with Green Laser 1 |
Ray Tracing with Green Laser 2 |
Description
The optical component is set up within the smoke box and a lighted incense stick is introduced into the apparatus. It has been found best to remove the smoke source and allow the apparatus to stand for 5 minutes. This clears the smoke box of the heavier particles and the smoke box appears clear but still contains enough fine smoke particles to produce brilliant scattering. The laser may be mounted on a labjack and raised or lowered as required or alternatively passed through a series of slides to produce multiple beams.