Chapter 35, Problem 99P

Figure 35-58 shows the design of a Texas arcade game. Four laser pistols are pointed toward the center of an array of plastic layers where a clay armadillo is the target. The indexes of refraction of the layers are n₁ = 1.55, n₂ = 1.70, n₃ = 1.4, n₄ = 1.60, n₅ = 1.45, n₆ = 1.61, n₇ = 1.59, n₈ = 1.70, and n₉ = 1.60. The layer thicknesses are either 2.00 mm or 4.00 mm, as drawn. What is the travel time through the layers for the laser burst from (a) pistol 1, (b) pistol 2, (c) pistol 3, and (d) pistol 4? (e) If the pistols are fired simultaneously, which laser burst hits the target first?

Figure 35-58 Problem 99.