Optics and Mathematics

Geometry and Reflections in Flat Mirrors We begin our study of reflection with flat mirrors. The only mathematics we use is geometry.

Optics at Home in Washbasins, Pools and Aquariums. We can do some simple experiments exploring refraction at home. Refraction is the basis for the effects produced by lenses like fish-eye lenses. You may want to use this Processing program. Instructions for using this Processing program.

Graphics, Optimization and Reflections in Curved Mirrors. Reflections in Curved Mirrors are more interesting and their understanding requires more mathematics.

We will be using the language Processing for both image processing and doing the mathematics required to understand optics. You should download and install Processing from this site. We chose this language for three reasons. First, it is free, although if you’d like, you can donate to processing.org, the group that maintains the language. Second, it was designed by visual artists rather than computer scientists and, thus, is better for the things we want to do than most other languages. Finally, it has excellent documentation and especially excellent tutorials. You should begin your exploration of this language by looking at some of those tutorials.