How do I find the Fermat Equation for a parabola in optics?

AI Thread Summary
To find the Fermat Equation for a parabola that directs light from a point source back parallel to the x-axis, the standard form of the parabola, y = 4cx², needs to be modified to x = 4cy². The focus must be positioned on the x-axis, and the Optical Path Length (OPL) must be equal for all points on the surface. The equation to consider involves the distance from the point source to the parabolic axis, represented as N1(So + So - X) = N1(√(X² + y²)), where So is the distance from the source to the axis. Clarification is needed on whether the OPL for the center should be included with the OPL for arbitrary points on the parabola. Understanding these relationships is crucial for deriving the correct Fermat Equation.
CaptainQuaser
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I need to find a Fermat Equation for a parabola that sends light from a point sour ce on X the access back parrallell to the x access.

Thanks

If you want to see what I tried, I posted a pic a few days ago, under the title optics, but no one responded at that point.
 
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Okay, you know it's a parabola. Do you know that the "standard" form for a parabola is y= 4cx2 where (0, c) is the focus? Since you want the focus on the x-axis and want the ray back parallel to the x-axis, you need to swap x and y:
x= 4cy2.
 
Yes, I know, but I need the fermat equation where the Optical Path Length (OPL) is equal for all points of the surface. What I am unsure about is if the OPL for the center must be added the the OPL of arbitrary X position for the parabola, eg
N1 (So + So - X) = N1 (X^2 + y^2)^1/2, where So is the distance from the point source to the parabolic axis on the x axis, and X and Y are cooresponding arbitraray co-ordinates to points on the parabola.
 
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