How Do You Calculate the System Matrix for a Lens After a Beam Waist?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the system matrix for a thin lens placed 2m after a beam waist, the correct approach involves first applying the free propagation matrix followed by the lens matrix. The relevant matrices are [[1, d], [0, 1]] for free propagation and [[1, 0], [-1/f, 1]] for the lens. The correct multiplication order is to first multiply the free propagation matrix by the lens matrix. The final system matrix should be derived from this order to ensure accurate results.
girlinphysics
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Homework Statement


A thin lens is placed 2m after the beam waist. The lens has f = 200mm. Find the appropriate system matrix.

This is a past exam question I want to check I got right.

Homework Equations


For some straight section [[1 , d],[0 , 1]] and for a thin lens [[1 , 0],[-1/f , 1]]

The Attempt at a Solution


[[r2],[r2']] = [[1 , d],[0 , 1]] [[1 , 0],[-1/f , 1]] [[r1],[r1']]

I multiplied the two matrices and found [[1-d/f, d] , [-1/f , 1]]

Is this correct? Or am I meant to add an additional straight section after the lens? I get confused as to when to use the straight section matrix. Thanks.
 
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girlinphysics said:
[[1 , d],[0 , 1]] [[1 , 0],[-1/f , 1]] [[r1],[r1']]
You made a mistake here. The free propagation should come first, then followed by the lens.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
You made a mistake here. The free propagation should come first, then followed by the lens.
Oh okay, thank you very much for your help!
 
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