focus

focus, in optics, the point at which rays converge after reflection by a concave mirror or refraction by a convex lens, also known as a real focus. The point from which rays appear to diverge after reflection by a convex mirror or refraction by a concave lens is known as a virtual focus. See image.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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