Even if the lenses of our eyes functioned perfectly, our vision would still be l

Question

Even if the lenses of our eyes functioned perfectly, our vision would still be limited due to diffraction of light at the pupil. Using Rayleigh's criterion what is the smallest separation between two pointlike objects that a person could clearly resolve at his near point of 20 cm with a pupil diameter of 2.15 mm? Assume that the light has a wavelength of 526nm. (To get a reasonable estimate without having to go through complicated calculations, we'll ignore the effect of the fluid in the eye.) Express your answer in micrometers to three significant figures. Based upon your answer does it soon that diffraction plays a significant role in limiting our visual Yes No

Explanation / Answer

a) the Rayleigh criterion formula is given by

= 1.22 /D

D = pupil diameter and lambda= wavelength

= d/L where L =near point distance and d=smallest separation

d = L *

           = L * (1.22 /D)

           = 0.205 * (1.22*506e-9/(2.15x10-3))

d== 5.89x10-5 m

d=58.9 um.

(b)No

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