Angular Resolution Calculator: Instantly Find Optical Precision
Meta Description: Use this Angular Resolution Calculator to determine the resolving power of optical systems based on wavelength and aperture size. Perfect for astronomy, microscopy, and physics students.
🔍 What is Angular Resolution?
Angular resolution is the smallest angle between two distinct objects that an optical system can distinguish. It's calculated using the Rayleigh criterion:
θ = 1.22 × (λ / D)
Where:
• θ = angular resolution in **radians**
• λ = wavelength of light (in **nanometers**)
• D = aperture diameter (in **meters**)
📐 Angular Resolution Calculator
💡 Why Is Angular Resolution Important?
- ✅ Critical in telescope design for separating close stars
- ✅ Essential in microscopy for viewing cellular structures
- ✅ Used in military optics and surveillance systems
- ✅ Directly affects image sharpness and clarity
🙋 FAQs About This Calculator
Q: What units should I use?
Wavelength must be in nanometers (e.g., 550 nm) and aperture in meters (e.g., 0.1 m).
Q: What’s a good angular resolution?
In astronomy, under 1 arcsecond is excellent for ground-based telescopes.
Q: Can I use this for radio wavelengths?
Yes! Just input the correct wavelength in nanometers (1 meter = 1e9 nm).
Q: Is this calculator mobile-friendly?
Yes. It works smoothly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.