All Questions
9
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General questions on the "big picture" of scalar diffraction theory
When studying diffraction, my courses at university stopped with frauenhofer diffraction, which - as far as I understand it - describes the diffracted far field for diffraction of a more or less ...
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-1
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1
answer
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Can telescopes go beyond the diffraction limit by having a better image sensor?
I read the wiki article about angular resolution, but I struggle to understand the image sensors' role in telescopes. Will better image sensors can help go beyond the diffraction point? If not, how to ...
- 2,127
8
votes
2
answers
178
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What makes diffraction spikes move with the focus?
This is a bit of a follow up on The Bahtinov focusing mask and it came with this question on Astronomy. But I think the effect can also be observed when looking through a hazy atmosphere or a stained ...
user265136
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0
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Is there a maximum limit on the distance beyond which we can't resolve an image using a reflector telescope in the visible light spectrum
Through Rayleigh's Criterion, it is implied that there is a maximum distance beyond which we cannot resolute an object. This limitation is due to the limitation in the size of the aperture of the ...
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votes
3
answers
183
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Do waves of light overlap?
Hopefully I can phrase this question so that it can be understood and not appear to be entirely uneducated.
From what I understand when light hits an object it reflects that light toward you. Let's ...
2
votes
1
answer
1k
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Difference between Airy disk and seeing disk
In the diffraction pattern for a circular aperture, instead of just having a circle, we have a central disk and several faint rings around the circle. Does the Airy disk consist of only the central ...
- 185
4
votes
2
answers
368
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Why array of telescope is used?
To increase the resolution of an instrument, smaller wavelength and larger aperture is desirable. It is mentioned in some textbooks that the "effective" diameter of a telescope can be increased by ...
- 1,135
5
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4
answers
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Is it possible to surpass the diffraction limit for telescopes?
Telescopes have angular diffraction limit depending on the observed wavelength and aperture diameter.
I've read that it's possible to go beyond the limit for microscopes. But is it possible to do the ...
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22
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2
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Optimal telescope size?
Consider a diffraction-limited telescope with unobstructed aperture $D$. Such a scope is capable of yielding an angular resolution $\alpha$ that scales as $\lambda/D$, with $\lambda$ denoting the ...
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