Geometrical optics points on either side that can be modeled using the lensmaker's equation. In general, two types of lenses exist: convex lenses, which cause parallel light rays to converge, and concave lenses, which cause parallel light rays to diverge. The detailed prediction of how images are produced by these lenses can be made using ray-tracing similar to curved mirrors. Similarly to curved mirrors, thin lenses follow a simple equation that determines the location of the images given a particular focal length (formula_9) and object distance (formula_10): where formula_12 is the distance associated with the image and is considered by convention to
Luneburg lens one side, and formula_14 only on the other: The parameter formula_19 is a constant for any given ray, but differs between rays passing at different distances from the centre of the lens. For rays passing through the centre, it is zero. In some special cases, such as for Maxwell's fish-eye, this first order equation can be further integrated to give a formula for formula_14 as a function or formula_13. In general it provides the relative rates of change of formula_14 and formula_13, which may be integrated numerically to follow the path of the ray through the lens. Luneburg lens A