Top: The formation of a virtual image using a diverging lens. Bottom: The formation of a virtual image using a convex mirror. In both diagrams, f is the focal point, O is the object and I is the virtual image, shown in grey. Solid blue lines indicate (real) light rays. It can be seen on the right for the top diagram and on the left for the bottom diagram that the light rays appear to emanate from the virtual image but do not actually exist at the position of the virtual image. Thus, an image cannot be seen by placing a screen at the position of the virtual image.

In optics, the image of an object is defined as the collection of focus points of light rays coming from the object. A real image is the collection of focus points made by converging rays, while a virtual image is the collection of focus points made by extensions of diverging rays. In other words, a virtual image is found by tracing real rays that emerge from an optical device (lens, mirror, or some combination) backward to perceived or apparent origins of ray divergences. For a (refracting) lens, the real image of an object is formed on the opposite side of the object while the virtual image is formed on the same side of the object. For a (reflecting) mirror, the real image is on the same side of the object while the virtual image is the opposite side to the object. In diagrams of optical systems, virtual rays (forming virtual images) are conventionally represented by dotted lines, to contrast with the solid lines of real rays.

Because the rays never really converge, a virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen by putting it at the location of the virtual image. In contrast, a real image can be projected on the screen as it is formed by rays that converge on a real location. A real image can be projected onto a diffusely reflecting screen so people can see the image (the image on the screen plays as an object to be imaged by human eyes).^[1]

• A plane mirror forms a virtual image positioned behind the mirror. Although the rays of light seem to come from behind the mirror, light from the source only exists in front of the mirror. The image in a plane mirror is not magnified (that is, the image is the same size as the object) and appears to be as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of the mirror.
• A diverging lens (one that is thicker at the edges than the middle) or a convex mirror forms a virtual image. Such an image is reduced in size when compared to the original object. A converging lens (one that is thicker in the middle than at the edges) or a concave mirror is also capable of producing a virtual image if the object is within the focal length. Such an image will be magnified. In contrast, an object placed in front of a converging lens or concave mirror at a position beyond the focal length produces a real image. Such an image will be magnified if the position of the object is within twice the focal length, or else the image will be reduced if the object is further than twice the focal length.

See also

• Focal plane
• Image plane
• Lens
• Erect image

References