Rayleigh Criterion Contents: Diffraction patterns The Rayleigh criterion

An opening can make an interference pattern too

Rayleigh Criterion  = 1.22 b  = Angle of resolution (Rad) = Wavelength (m) b = Diameter of circular opening (m) (Telescope aperture) the bigger the aperture, the smaller the angle you can resolve. Central maximum of one is over minimum of the other

Rayleigh Criterion  = 1.22 b  = Angle of resolution (Rad) = Wavelength (m) b = Diameter of circular opening (m)

Rayleigh Criterion 11 | 22 TOC

 = 1.22 b  = ?, = 550 x m, b = 2.54 m  = E x radians W What is the angular resolution of the 100 inch (2.54 m) diameter telescope on the top of Mt Wilson? (use 550 nm as the wavelength) (uh 550 nm = 550 x m)

 = 1.22 b  = 6.00 x 10 -7, = 550 x m, b = ? b = 1.12 m 1.1 m W What diameter telescope do you need to resolve two stars that are separated by 1.8 x m, but are 3.0 × m from us? (use 550 nm as the wavelength) (AU, 32 LY) hint  = s/r = (1.8 x m)/(3.0 × m)