Fermat's Principle to explain lenses and mirrors

In summary, Fermat's Principle is a fundamental principle in optics that states that light takes the path that requires the least amount of time to travel between two points. In lenses and mirrors, this principle explains how light is refracted or reflected in order to follow the shortest path. It also explains how light is refracted in lenses, allowing them to focus or diverge light and produce images. The principle can also explain the behavior of light in curved mirrors, with the curvature of the mirror affecting the path of light. However, it does have limitations, such as not taking into account diffraction effects. Despite these limitations, Fermat's Principle is a key factor in the design of lenses and mirrors, allowing engineers to optimize their shape and curvature
  • #1
isnainidiah
14
0
How do we use Fermat's principle of least time to explain the required shapes of lenses and mirrors?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Here's Feynman's explanation [see 57m15s]
 
  • #3
How about using fermat's principle for mirrors ?
 
  • #4
[see 27m05s]
 
  • #5
Hmm okay, thank you for the video,,
 

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