RAYLEIGH CRITERION Meaning and
Definition
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The Rayleigh criterion, also known as the Rayleigh limit or Rayleigh's criterion, refers to a principle used in optics to determine the theoretical limit of resolution for a given optical system. It is named after Lord Rayleigh, also known as John William Strutt, who formulated this criterion in the late 19th century.
According to the Rayleigh criterion, two adjacent point sources can be said to be just resolved if the central peak of the diffraction pattern formed by one source is directly superimposed with the first minimum of the diffraction pattern formed by the other source. In simpler terms, it defines the minimum angular separation between two objects that can be visually distinguished by an observer. The criterion is based on the assumption that light waves diffract when they pass through an aperture, such as the lens of a telescope or the pupil of the eye.
The Rayleigh criterion is mathematically expressed as the angle θ = 1.22 * (λ / D), where θ represents the angular separation, λ is the wavelength of the light used, and D is the diameter of the aperture. It provides a practical guideline for estimating the resolving power of optical instruments, helping to determine their ability to distinguish fine details or resolve closely spaced objects.
The Rayleigh criterion plays a crucial role in various optical applications, such as astronomy, microscopy, and photography. It serves as a fundamental measure for evaluating the performance and limitations of optical systems, aiding in the design and development of advanced imaging devices and techniques.
Common Misspellings for RAYLEIGH CRITERION
- eayleigh criterion
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- rzyleigh criterion
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- raylwigh criterion
Etymology of RAYLEIGH CRITERION
The term "Rayleigh criterion" is named after John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh, a British physicist. Lord Rayleigh developed this criterion in the late 19th century to determine the resolution limit of an optical system.
The word "criterion" comes from the Greek word "kriterion", meaning a standard or measure. Lord Rayleigh's criterion refers to the condition or standard that must be met for two closely spaced objects to be resolved as separate entities in an optical system.
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