Teaching the Action Principle in Optics


Abstract in English

The Principle of Least Action (PLA) in Optics can be confusing to students, in part due to the Calculus of Variations, but also because of the subtleties of the actual principle. To address this problem, three simulations of the PLA are presented so students can learn the Action Principle in an experiential and interactive manner. Simulations such as MITs OpenRelativity and PhETs Quantum Mechanics have become a popular pedagogical tool to demystify abstract physical phenomena. This paper aims to help undergraduate students understand the Action Principle by introducing three numerical simulations: light reflecting in equal angles, light refracting in different mediums, and light moving between two points in the least time. The interactive simulations discussed in this paper are available here.

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