Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-1986
Publication Title
American Journal Of Physics
Department
Science, Technology and Society
Abstract
Fermat’s principle may be used to derive an equation, of the form F=m a, governing the shape of a light ray in a medium of varying refractive index. Many interesting problems in gradient‐index optics that ordinarily require considerable computation may therefore be solved very simply by analogy to familiar mechanical problems. This approach also provides the means of thoroughly exploring the optical‐mechanical analogy at a much more elementary level than is usual.
Volume
54
Issue
10
pp.
876-883
ISSN
0002-9505
Citation
Evans, James C., and M. Rosenquist. 1986. "F = M a Optics." American Journal Of Physics 54(10): 876-883.