Crocodile Clips
Simple Simulation Software
Optics in Crocodile Physics
Crocodile Physics includes a powerful optics simulator, with a range of components including lenses, prisms, mirrors and light sources.
You can import your own images and investigate how they look when viewed in lenses in mirrors. As shown below, intensity and blurring are modelled.
This image shows an object marker (left) on an optical axis. There is also a lens on the axis; the animation shows how the image produced on the screen changes with the position of the lens.
If your optical system produces a real image, it can also be projected onto the screen. The images viewed by the screen and the eye will model blurring and intensity, and you can resize or move the pictures.
The rays from the object are drawn as you simulate, letting you trace their path through the optical system.
Using optical components
Crocodile Physics also offers lenses, mirrors, prisms, objects and light sources for you to model your optical system.
You can set the wavelength of the light being emitted from your source, and choose parallel beams, diverging beams or rays. You can also set the dimensions of the source.
Properties for all of the optical components can be changed, either by dragging with the mouse or by typing in new values. The example to the right shows a rectangular prism - you can set its refractive index and the angle at which it is positioned.
For lenses and mirrors, you can change the size and focal length. For light sources, you can change wavelengths, number of rays, beam cone angles and source orientations.
You can also position the components however you like - a true virtual workbench.
The optical components can be used to investigate the principles of optics, and the behaviour of light as it interacts with prisms, lenses, mirrors, objects and other light sources.