Geometrical Optics from the Ground up

Abstract

We review, with proper derivation and proofs, the common undergraduate formulas for building images of objects using a system of lenses with spherical surfaces. This is done using the first-order approximation which assumes that light rays deviate from the symmetry axis by only small angles. Yet, even this most basic approximation results in surprisingly complex theory, which is then applied to explain workings of everyday optical instruments.