The 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 1 | 2 TOC

What is the angular resolution of the 100 inch (2 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 10-9 m)  = 1.22 b  = ?,  = 550 x 10-9 m, b = 2.54 m  = 2.64173E-07 W 2.6 x 10-7 radians

What diameter telescope do you need to resolve two stars that are separated by 1.8 x 1011 m, but are 3.0 × 1017 m from us? (use 550 nm as the wavelength) (AU, 32 LY) hint  = s/r = (1.8 x 1011 m)/(3.0 × 1017 m)  = 1.22 b  = 6.00 x 10-7,  = 550 x 10-9 m, b = ? b = 1.12 m W 1.1 m