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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the optics of light rays traveling through two media separated by a surface that is a revolution surface around the z-axis. The original poster attempts to show that this surface is the result of rotating an ellipse with a specific eccentricity defined by the ratio of the refractive indices of the two media.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the time taken for light to travel through different media and the properties of ellipses. The original poster expresses uncertainty about deriving the equation of an ellipse and questions whether they need to find a constant K. Others suggest that properties of ellipses may provide insights into the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to derive equations related to the problem and explore the properties of ellipses. Some participants question the assumption that the eccentricity can be expressed as n2/n1, suggesting that this may not hold true based on the properties of ellipses and the behavior of light rays. There is a recognition of the need for a diagram to aid visualization, and some participants express progress in their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of a diagram and the original poster's struggle with visualizing the problem. There is also mention of the constraints imposed by the definitions and properties of ellipses, particularly regarding eccentricity being less than one.

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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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