A low cost light illuminator for geometrical optics experimentation

Abstract A justification presented for the low utilization of geometrical optics experiments in Brazilian schools is the high cost of the equipment required for such studies. In this work, we describe a low-cost LED illuminator that presents a high performance when compared to commercial illuminators for the study of spherical lenses. By associating with the illuminator the lens of a magnifying glass, which can be acquired in an office supply store, it is possible to fully conceptualize the geometrical optics of spherical lenses. Among the characteristics of the new equipment it is emphasized the possibility to use it in illuminated environments, the ease in the study of the characterizations of images formed in optical systems and the possibility of simulation of a real situation of formation of an image by a lens. Examples of applications using the illuminator are also presented and discussed. Basic and fundamental experiments on geometrical optics of spherical lenses are highlighted with this new equipment.