Optical path

The path that light takes in traversing an optical is often called the optical path. The physical length of an optical device can be reduced to less than the length of the optical path by using folded optics. The optical path length as defined in optics is the length of the path multiplied by the index of refraction of the medium.

Factors affecting optical path

Path of light in medium, or between two media is affected by the following:

• Reflection
• Refraction
• :Dispersion of light
• :Total Internal Reflection
• Absorption

Simple devices used

1. Lens
2. Mirror
3. Prism
4. Transparent
5. Translucent
6. Opaque objects

See also

• Optical path length