\[\theta=1.22\frac{\lambda}{D}\]
Variables
theta[θ]angular resolution [rad]
lambda[λ]wavelength
Daperture diameter
Description
What is this formula?
This formula calculates the minimum angular separation between two point sources that can be resolved by an optical system. It represents the diffraction limit for a circular aperture.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and diffraction-limited optical systems.
Example
Given:
λ=5.5×10^-7 m
D=0.10 m
Formula:
θ=1.22λ/D
Substitution:
θ=(1.22×5.5×10^-7)/(0.10)
Result:
θ=6.71×10^-6 rad
Applications
- Telescope design
- Microscopy
- Astronomical imaging
- Camera optics
- Optical resolution analysis