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.

Part A

Using Rayleigh's criterion, what is the smallest object a person can see clearly at his near point of 23.0cm with a pupil 2.25mm in diameter and light of wavelength 510nm ? (To get a reasonable estimate without having to go through complicated calculations, we'll ignore the effect of the fluid in the eye.)

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Part B

Based upon your answer, does it seem that diffraction plays a significant role in limiting our visual acuity?

Even if the lenses of our eyes functioned perfectly, our vision would still be limited due to diffraction of light at the pupil.

Part A

Using Rayleigh's criterion, what is the smallest object a person can see clearly at his near point of 23.0cm with a pupil 2.25mm in diameter and light of wavelength 510nm ? (To get a reasonable estimate without having to go through complicated calculations, we'll ignore the effect of the fluid in the eye.)

SubmitMy AnswersGive Up

Part B

Based upon your answer, does it seem that diffraction plays a significant role in limiting our visual acuity?

Explanation / Answer

Part A)

Apply s/R = 1.22(wavelength)/D

s/.23 = 1.22(510 X 10-9)/.00225

s = 6.36 X 10-5 m which is 63.6 um

Part B)

That value is so tiny that diffraction does not play a significat role in our visual acuity

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