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9.4 Resolution
Topic 9.4 is an extension of Topic 4.
Essential idea: Resolution places an absolute limit on
the extent to which an optical or other system can
separate images of objects.
Nature of science: Improved technology: The Rayleigh
criterion is the limit of resolution. Continuing
advancement in technology such as large diameter
dishes or lenses or the use of smaller wavelength
lasers pushes the limits of what we can resolve.
Understandings:
The size of a diffracting aperture
The resolution of simple monochromatic two-source
systems
1st min
0.75 m
From the sketch = 0.75 / D so that
D = 0.75 / = 0.75 / 2.586410-4 = 2.9 km.
0.045
For the stars
75
= 0.045 / 75 = 0.00060 rad.
FYI
Note that we usually cancel the units (in this case light
years). Dont convert prematurely!
= 0.00016
1.2
We want D:
= 0.00016 = 1.2 / D
D = 1.2 / 0.00016 = 7500 m (7.5 km).
Use = 1.22 / b
( or = / b since we are
looking only for the ORDER ):
= 1.22(0.06) / 120 = 610-4 rad.
= 0.06 / 120 = 510-4 rad.
n=2
n=1
n=0
n=1
n=2