Question

With light of wavelength 550 nm and a lens with a numerical aperture of 0.47, what is the minimum resolvable separation of two objects (micrometers)?

Answer 1

The minimum resolvable separation of two objects is 0.585 μm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Wavelength = 550 nm

Aperture = 0.47

We need to calculate the minimum resolvable separation of two objects

Using formula of the minimum resolvable separation

`x_(m)=(\lambda)/(2n\sin\theta)`

Where,
`\lambda` = wavelength

Put the value into the formula

`x_(m)=(550*10^(-9))/(2*0.47)`

`x_(m)=5.85*10^(-7)\ m`

`x_(m)=0.585*10^(-6)\ m`

`x_(m)=0.585\ \mu m`

Hence, The minimum resolvable separation of two objects is 0.585 μm.