A lens contained between two circular arcs of radius R, and centers at O₁ and O₂

In geometry, a lens is a convex shape comprising two circular arcs, joined at their endpoints. If the arcs have equal radii, it is called a symmetric lens. The corresponding concave shape is the lune. The Vesica piscis is one form of a symmetrical lens; the term is also used for lenses generally.

In common usage, the term "lens" is also used to describe the shape of a three-dimensional object obtained by rotating a two-dimensional lens about its narrow axis of symmetry. Such a shape is described as lenticular.

[edit] See also

• Mrs. Miniver's problem

[edit] References

• Eric W. Weisstein.. "Lens". MathWorld. http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Lens.html. Retrieved June 13, 2005.  which in turn cites
  • Pedoe, D. (1995). "Circles: A Mathematical View, rev. ed.". Washington, DC: Math. Assoc. Amer.. 
  • Plummer, H. (1960). An Introductory Treatise of Dynamical Astronomy. York: Dover. 
  • Rawles, B. (1997). Sacred Geometry Design Sourcebook: Universal Dimensional Patterns.. Eagle Point, OR: Elysian Pub..  page 11
  • Watson, G. N. (1966). A Treatise on the Theory of Bessel Functions, 2nd ed.. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. 

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