Theory:

Let f be the focal length and R1 and R2 be the radii of curvature of the convex lens.
Then
1 1 1
=(n-1)( + )
𝑓 𝑅1 𝑅2

Hence the refractive index n of the material of the lens is

(𝑅1. 𝑅2)
𝑛=1+
(𝑅1 + 𝑅2)𝑓
when the lens is placed over some drops of the given liquid on a plano convex
combination of the v convex and e mirror, a plano-concave liquid lens is obtained.
If F is the focal length of the combination of the convex lens and the plano-
concave liquid lens, the focal length of the liquid lens is given by:
𝐹𝑓
𝐹1 =
𝑓−𝐹
If the first face of the convex lens is in in contact with the liquid surface, the radius
of curvature of the upper surface of the liquid lens is R1.
For the liquid lens,
R1=R1&R2=∞
Hence,
𝑅1
N1=1+
𝑓1
Requirements:

a) convex lens
b) plane mirror
c) the liquid
d) glycerine
e) an iron stand with base and clamp arrangement
f) a metre scale
Aim:
To determine:
1.optical constant of a convex lens
2. refractive index of liquid lens
The theory behind liquid lens is based on the properties of one or more liquids to
create magnifications within a small amount of space. The focus of liquid lens is
controlled by the surface of the liquid. Water normally forms a bubble shape when
adhered to materials such as glass
This desirable property makes water a suitable candidate to produce liquid lens.
Essentially the liquid must be transparent to study its effects. To generate a liquid
lens, a liquid is sandwiched between two pieces of clear plastic or glass. Oil can also
be chosen to be used as a fluid in a liquid lens system. the surface profiles of liquid
determine the focal length of liquid lens system and how the liquid lens focuses
light rays
Observation and calculation:
 To find the focal length of lens
s.no Distance from the pointer Focal length
(cm)
Top of the lens Top of the mirror
(cm) (cm)
1. 10.1 11.1 10.6

2. 10.2 11.2 10.7

3. 9.9 10.9 10.4

4. 10 11 10.5

5. 10.3 11.3 10.8

  To find the focal length of the combination:
s.no Distance of pointer from (cm) Focal length (cm)
Top of lens Top of mirror
1
2

3
4
5
Procedure:
 To find the focal length of the convex lens:
The convex lens is placed over a plane mirror which is kept horizontally.
A bright pointer O is arranged horizontally on the clamp of a retort
stand, vertically above the lens. Looking from above, the pointer is
moved up or down until the pointer and its inverted image coincides
without parallax. The distance x1 and x2 of the pointer from the top of
[𝑥1+𝑥2]
the lens are measured. The average distance gives the focal
2
length f of the convex lens. The experiment is repeated and the mean
focal length is calculated.

 to find the focal length of the liquid lens

the lens is then removed, a few drops of the given liquid placed on the
plane mirror. The lens is placed on it with the marked first surface of the
lens in contact with the liquid. The liquid lens forms a plano -concave
lens. The pointer is arranged horizontally above the lens. Looking from
above, the pointer is moved up or down until the pointer and its
inverted image coincide without parallax. The distances x1 and x2 are
[𝑥1+𝑥2]
measured as before. The average distance gives the focal length
2
f1 of the combination of the convex lens and liquid lens. The focal
length f1 is calculated from the given equation:
𝐹𝑓
𝐹1 =
𝑓−𝐹

Repeat the experiment by keeping the second surface on water and

determine f2.
And find R1 and R2 by using formula
1 1 1
= + (𝑛 − 1)
𝑓 𝑅1 𝑅2
 To find the focal length f for glycerine
Few drops of glycerine is added on the mirror.lens is placed upon it
such that it formed a plano-concave lens. The pointer is arranged
horizontally to get a coinciding object and image without parallax. The
distances x1 and x2 are noted as before. Focal length is calculated by
𝑥1+𝑥2
the formula 𝑓 =
2
Introduction:
A liquid lens uses one or more fluids to create an infinitely variable lens without
any moving parts by controlling the meniscus (the surface of the liquid). There
are two primary types transmissive and reflective. These are not to be confused
with liquid formed lenses that are created by placing a drop of plastic epoxy on
a surface which is then allowed to harden into a lens shape.
Reflective liquid lenses are variable mirrors and are used in reflected telescopes
in place of traditional glass mirrors. When a container of fluid (in case of
mercury) is rotated, centripetal force creates a smooth reflective concavity that
is ideally suited for telescope applications. Normally such a smooth curved
surface must be meticulously ground and polished into glass in an extremely
expensive and tricky process. A reflective liquid lens would never suffer from
that problem, as a simple change in rotation speed would change the curve of
the meniscus to the proper shape.
Transmissive liquid lenses use two immiscible fluids, each with a different
refractive index to create a variable focus lenses of high optical quality as small
as 10µm. The two fluids, one can electrically conducting aqueous solution and
one a non-conducting oil are contained in a short tube with transparent end
caps. The interior of the tube and one of the caps ids coated with a hydrophobic
material which causes the aqueous solution to form a hemispherical lens
shaped mass at the opposite end of the tube. The shape of the lens is adjusted
by applying a dc voltage across the coating to decrease its water repellence in a
process called electrowetting. Electrowetting adjusts the liquid’s surface
tension, changing the radius of the curvature in the meniscus and thereby the
focal length of the lens. Extremely shock and vibrant resistant such a lens is
capable of seamless transition from convex(convergent) to concave(divergent)
lens shape with switching times measured in in milliseconds.