Optics Simulation Apps

Optical Resolution Model:
The Optical Resolution model computes the image from two point sources as seen through a circular aperture such as a telescope or a microscope. The simulation allows the user to vary the distance between the light sources and the diameter of the aperture, as well as the intensity of the light source.

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Optics Interference: Ripple Tank Program:
The Optics Interference program simulates a ripple tank by showing the intensity of waves produced by one or more point sources. Adding multiple point sources creates easily observable interference patterns showing constructive and destructive interference. Users can add point sources, move them around, and change their wavelength.

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Concave Mirror Model:
This Model shows three principal rays leaving a candle of height h and striking a concave mirror. The first ray is parallel to the optic axis and is reflected back through the focal point. The second ray strikes the mirror on the optic axis a distance h below the flame. The third ray passes through the focal point.

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Thick Lens Model:
The Thick Lens model allows the user to simulate a lens by adjusting the physical properties of a transparent object and observing the object's effect on a beam of light. The user can adjust the concavity of the sides, the index of refraction and its environment.

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Pinhole Camera Model:
The Pinhole Camera Model demonstrates the operation of a pinhole camera. Light rays leaving the top and bottom on an object of height h, pass through a pinhole, and strike a flat screen. These rays travel in straight lines in accord with the principles of geometric optics. Drag the object and observe the image on the camera screen.

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Flat Mirror Model:
The Flat Mirror Model shows two principal rays leaving a candle of height h and striking a flat mirror. The first ray is parallel to the mirror surface and is reflected back on itself. The second ray strikes the mirror a distance h below the flame.

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Fermat Light Ray Model:
The Fermat Light Ray model shows a light ray traveling left to right through N homogeneous regions with different refractive indicies. Because light travels in a straight line through a homogenous medium, the path is determined by the vertical coordinates at each boundary.

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Multiple Slit Diffraction Model:
The Multiple Slit Diffraction model allows the user to simulate Fraunhofer diffraction through single or multiple slits. The user can modify the number of slits, the slit width, the slit separation and the wavelength of the incident light. The scale of the diffraction pattern can also be changed and a plot of the light intensity can be toggled on and off.

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Two-Color Multiple Slit Diffraction:
The Two-Color Multiple Slit Diffraction Model allows users to explore multiple slit diffraction by manipulating characteristics of the aperture and incident light to observe the resulting intensity. An exploration of resolving power in spectroscopy is included in the model.

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Two Source Interference Model:
The Two Source Interference model displays the interference pattern on a screen due to two point sources. The simulation allows an arbitrarily superposition of the two sources and shows both the current intensity and running average of the intensity on the screen.

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Interference with Synchronous Sources Model:
The Ejs Interference with Synchronous Sources model displays the interference pattern on a screen due to between one and twenty point sources. The simulation allows an arbitrarily superposition of the sources and shows both the current intensity and running average of the intensity on the screen.

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Young Two Slit Interference:
This model simulates the interference pattern of light as it travels through two slits to a screen. This result was first described by Young who used the wave theory of light to describe the interference of light through two slits. The interference pattern is due to the difference in path length of the light from each slit as it travels to the screen.

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Spherical Mirror Model:
The Spherical Mirror Model demonstrates the focusing of light using a spherical mirror. The user can change the size and position of the object, the focal length of the mirror and the rays shown in the diagram.

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Single-Slit Diffraction:
This model simulates the diffraction pattern of light as it travels through a slit to a screen. The diffraction pattern is due to the difference in path length of the light from different parts of the slit as the light from the slit travels to the screen.

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Light and Shadow Model:
The Light and Shadow Model shows light that either passes through a mask with a hole in it, or it is blocked by an object, as it travels to a screen on the right. The user can turn on and off two light bulbs (red and blue) and drag the bulbs around the screen to change their positions.

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Thin Film Interference Model:
The Thin Film Interference model investigates reflection and transmission of light through a thin film. The user can change the thickness and index of refraction of the thin film as well as the incident light wavelength.

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Double Slit Wave-Particle Duality Model:
This model demonstrates how matter and light display both wave- and particle-like properties in single and double slit experiments. The simulation shows a detector screen placed behind an aperture with one or two open slits. Particles pass through the experiment one at a time and their impact is recorded on the screen.

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X-Ray Imaging Model:
This model simulates the basic concepts of X-Ray imaging, exploring how different aspects of both the X-Ray source and the sample affect the X-Ray image. The simulation has a window which contains the simulated image and the controls to manipulate the X-Ray characteristics and the physical characteristics of the sample to be imaged.

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Diffraction and Interference Model: Single and Double Slits:
The Diffraction and Interference Model: Single and Double Slits shows diffraction and interference patterns from a single slit, double sources and double slits. The user can change the source wavelength, slit width, separation and distance between slit and screen.

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Interference Model: Ripple Tank:
This model investigates constructive and destructive interference between two point sources. The user can change the point source frequency, location and separation and phase difference between the point sources. The model also shows the difference in distance from the point sources to a movable observation point.

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Simultaneity Model:
The Simultaneity model displays the effect of relative motion on the relative ordering of the detection of events. The wave source and two equidistant detectors are at rest in reference frame S', which moves with constant velocity, v, in frame S. The initial relative velocity as well as whether the wave source emits sound waves or light can be changed.

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Falling Slinky Model:
The Falling Slinky model approximates a slinky using twenty masses connected with light springs. The slinky is suspended from one end and released. Two actions will occur simultaneously when it is released hanging at rest from its equilibrium position - it will fall and it will collapse.

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Standing Waves in a Pipe Model:
The Standing Waves in a Pipe model displays the displacement and pressure waves for a standing wave in a pipe. The pipe can be closed on both ends, on one end, or open on both ends. The number of nodes in the standing waves can be changed via a slider.

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Vibrations and Wave Tutorial Models:
The Vibrations and Wave Tutorial Models demonstrate how the superposition principle gives rise to wave phenomena, such as standing waves and beats. The five models cataloged in this item demonstrate:simple harmonic motion, history graphs, standing waves, standing waves on an infinite string, and beats.

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