What is the result of rotating an ellipse with eccentricity n2/n1 in optics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on deriving the relationship between the eccentricity of an ellipse and the refraction of light through two media with different indices of refraction. It begins with the equation for the time taken by light rays to travel from point F_1 to plane Σ, leading to the conclusion that the surface S is a result of rotating an ellipse. Participants explore properties of ellipses, particularly how eccentricity is defined and related to the distances traveled by light in different media. A key realization is that the eccentricity can be expressed as n_1/n_2, contradicting the initial assumption of n_2/n_1. Ultimately, the problem is resolved by confirming the relationship between the ellipse's properties and the refraction of light.
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Homework Statement


Assume that the surface S which delimits the 2 mediums is a revolution surface around the z-axis. Light rays start at point F_1 and all the rays going through the surface reach the plane \Sigma in a same amount of time.
Show that S is the result of rotating an ellipse with eccentricity \frac{n_2}{n_1}.


Homework Equations


None given.


The Attempt at a Solution


t=\frac{d}{v}.
t_0=\frac{l_0 n_2}{c}, t_1=\frac{l_1 n_1}{c}.
Hence the time taken for any ray to go from F_1 to \Sigma is t=\frac{1}{c} (l_0 n_2 +l_1n_1)=K.
Therefore \frac{l_0}{n_1}+\frac{l_1}{n_2}=\frac{Kc}{n_1n_2}.
I know that the eccentricity is defined as e=\sqrt {1-\frac{b^2}{a^2}. The problem I'm facing is that I don't have the equation of an ellipse yet.
Have I to find K?
I'll try something.
 
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I cannot visualize the problem. Can you attach the diagram?
 


rl.bhat said:
I cannot visualize the problem. Can you attach the diagram?

Oops, I forgot to attach it. By the way I've been thinking about it, but I'm still stuck.
 

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you have already derived the equation
lo*n2 + l1*n1 = K*c.
Two properties of ellipse are
i) AF2/AD = e (eccentricity)
AF2 = e*AD.
ii) AF1 + AF2 = 2a = constant.
AF1 + e*AD = 2a.
lo + e*l1 = 2a.
Compare this equation with
lo*n2 + l1*n1 = K*c.
In the ellipse e<1.
In the diagram, ray is moving away from the normal after refraction. So n1<n2.
Hence eccentricity cannot be n2/n1 as you have expected in the problem.
 
Last edited:


rl.bhat said:
you have already derived the equation
lo*n2 + l1*n1 = K*c.
Two properties of ellipse are
i) AF2/AD = e (eccentricity)
AF2 = e*AD.
ii) AF1 + AF2 = 2a = constant.
AF1 + e*AD = 2a.
lo + e*l1 = 2a.
Compare this equation with
lo*n2 + l1*n1 = K*c.
In the ellipse e<1.
In the diagram, ray is moving away from the normal after refraction. So n1<n2.
Hence eccentricity cannot be n2/n1 as you have expected in the problem.
Oh nice... I wasn't aware of many properties.
So I'm at the point of l_0+\frac{n_1 l_1}{n_2}=\frac{Kc}{n_2}.
Now if I can show that 2a=\frac{Kc}{n_2} then e=\frac{n_1}{n_2}.

I have that n_2 l_0 +l_1n_2e=2an_2. Now if e=\frac{n_1}{n_2} I have that all works and K=\frac{2an_2}{c}.
Thanks a lot once again. Problem solved!
 
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