What is the meaning of the delta in Fermat's principle integral?
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The integral \int_{A\to B} n ds represents the integral of the refractive index n along a path from point A to point B. The "δ" indicates an infinitesimal variation of that path, suggesting that the path can wiggle slightly. This variation is crucial for understanding how changes in the path affect the integral's value. The integral is computed along the original path, while the delta signifies the slight adjustments made to it. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping Fermat's principle in optics.
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