Angular Resolution Calculator

The Angular Resolution Calculator is a useful tool for determining the angular resolution of an optical system based on the wavelength of light and the diameter of the lens aperture.

Angular Resolution Formula

The angular resolution (θ) is calculated using the following formula:

\[ \theta = 1.22 \times \frac{\lambda}{d} \]

Where:

• \( \theta \) is the angular resolution in radians.
• \( \lambda \) is the wavelength of light in nanometers (nm).
• \( d \) is the diameter of the lens aperture in millimeters (mm).

How It Works

The angular resolution represents the ability of a lens or optical system to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. A higher angular resolution indicates a better ability to separate these objects.

Example Calculation

For instance, if the wavelength is 600 nm and the lens aperture diameter is 50 mm, the angular resolution can be calculated as:

\[ \theta = 1.22 \times \frac{600 \times 10^{-9}}{50 \times 10^{-3}} \approx 1.464 \times 10^{-5} \text{ radians} \]

FAQs

What is angular resolution?
Angular resolution is a measure of a lens’s ability to distinguish between light from two different objects, determining how closely spaced these objects can be while still being resolved as separate.

This calculator simplifies the process of determining angular resolution, making it a valuable tool for students, engineers, and professionals in optics and astronomy.