Ray tracing (single interface):

Explore ray tracing using Microsoft Excel.  The linked spreadsheet traces rays across a single spherical interface in the paraxial approximation using matrix multiplication.  It contains a macro, which increments the launch angle for 7 rays.  The results of the calculations are plotted.  The object position, the radius of the interface, and the indexes of refraction can be chosen by the user.  The object position can be on either side of the interface.  Please explore the spreadsheet and feel free to modify it.
Click here for a spreadsheet with a nicer interface.

Ray tracing (single lens):

Explore ray tracing using Microsoft Excel.  The linked spreadsheet traces rays across a single spherical lens in the paraxial approximation using matrix multiplication.  It contains a macro, which increments the launch angle for 7 rays.  The results of the calculations are plotted.  The object position, the radii of the lens and the indexes of refraction of the lens and the surrounding material can be chosen by the user.  Please explore the spreadsheet and feel free to modify it.

The principal planes and focal points of a lens:

Calculate the location of the principal planes and focal points of a lens using Microsoft Excel.  Please explore the spreadsheet and feel free to modify it.