All Questions
4
questions
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Why is the time taken for light propagation between two points in anisotropic media independent of $y$?
Background
Light propagating in an anisotropic medium does not (in general) take a straight-line path between two points. The propagation time between those points, then, is dependent on the total ...
2
votes
1
answer
134
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Finding a path of beam in a gradient-index media
I'm trying to find a polynomial that describes a path of a beam in a gradient index media.
It is a path of least time (Fermat's principle) meaning that it takes path that takes the least time to get ...
- 59
4
votes
1
answer
395
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Fermat's principle in exponential refraction [closed]
Determine path light will travel in a index of refraction described as $n(y)=1+be^{-ry}$. Let the light start off at the origin (0,0) and go to the point (L,0). Determine the equation that must be ...
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2
votes
2
answers
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Help With Calculus of Variations
I've been given the problem
"Use Fermat's Principle to find the path followed by a light Ray if the index of refraction is proportional to $y^{-1}$."
Honestly I'm not too sure at all how to begin....
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