Rayleigh Criterion Resolution Calculator
This calculator determines the theoretical limit of angular resolution (Rayleigh criterion) for an optical imaging system (such as telescopes, cameras, microscopes, or the human eye) and calculates the minimum resolvable spatial distance between two points at a given range.
Formulas
Where θ is the angular resolution in radians, λ is the light wavelength (m), D is the aperture diameter (m), L is the distance to the target (m), and d is the minimum resolvable linear separation (m).
About the Rayleigh Criterion
Due to the wave nature of light, when it passes through a circular aperture (like a lens), it diffracts to produce a concentric ring pattern called an Airy disk. The Rayleigh criterion states that two point sources are just resolvable when the center of the Airy disk pattern of one overlaps with the first dark ring (the first minimum) of the Airy disk pattern of the other.
Input Parameters
Calculation Results
Enter parameters and click "Calculate" to show results.