The following matrix product is used in discussing a thick lens in air:
$$
A=\left(\begin{array}{cc}
1 & (n-1) / R_{2} \\
0 & 1
\end{array}\right)\left(\begin{array}{cc}
1 & 0 \\
d / n & 1
\end{array}\right)\left(\begin{array}{cc}
1 & -(n-1) / R_{1} \\
0 & 1
\end{array}\right)
$$ where \(d\) is the thickness of the lens, \(n\) is its index of refraction, and
\(R_{1}\) and \(R_{2}\) are the radii of curvature of the lens surfaces. It can be
shown that element \(A_{12}\) of \(A\) is \(-1 / f\) where \(f\) is the focal length
of the lens. Evaluate \(A\) and det \(A\) (which should equal 1) and find \(1 / f\).
[See the American Journal of Physics, \(48,396(1980) .]\)