Rayleigh’s Criterion
The minimum distances between images must be such that the central maximum of the first image lies on the first minimum of the second and vice versa. Such an image viewed from an optical device is calculated using Rayleigh’s criterion.
When two objects placed at a distance from each other are separated by an angular separation θ, the diffraction patterns of the two objects will overlap each other. They would appear as one when the two central maxima overlap.
This defines Rayleigh’s resolution criterion. It can be shown that, for a circular aperture of a given diameter, the first minimum in the diffraction pattern occurs at,
θ = 1.22(λ/D)
where,
θ is the angular separation measured in radians
λ is the wavelength of light
D is the diameter of the aperture
Diffraction of light
Diffraction is a phenomenon shown by light. When the wave of light interacts with the particle in the atmosphere it bends at the corners and scatters in the area to illuminate the whole area, this phenomenon is called the Diffraction of light. It is a property of light which is used to explain various phenomena observed in our daily life.
Let’s learn about diffraction in detail in this article.
Table of Content
- What is Diffraction?
- Diffraction Examples
- Types of Diffraction
- Single Slit Diffraction
- Single Slit Diffraction Formula
- Central Maximum
- Resolving Power
- Rayleigh’s Criterion
- What Is the Difference Between Diffraction and Scattering?