How do you find resolving power?
d = .05 um / 2 NA
Resolving power refers to the ability of an optical instrument, such as a microscope or telescope, to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. The resolving power of an instrument depends on several factors, including the wavelength of the light used, the numerical aperture of the lens, and the quality of the lens itself.
To find the resolving power of an optical instrument, you can use the following formula:
Resolving power = λ/(2NA)
where λ is the wavelength of light, and NA is the numerical aperture of the lens.
For example, let’s say you are using a microscope with a 100x objective lens, and the wavelength of light you are using is 550 nm. The numerical aperture of the lens is 1.25.
Resolving power = 550 nm / (2 x 1.25) = 220 nm
This means that the microscope can distinguish between objects that are at least 220 nm apart. If two objects are closer together than this, they will appear as a single object in the microscope image.
It’s worth noting that the maximum resolving power of an optical instrument is ultimately limited by the wavelength of light being used. In order to achieve higher resolution, shorter wavelengths of light (such as ultraviolet or X-rays) can be used, or alternative imaging techniques, such as electron microscopy, can be employed.