Resolving power of a microscope:

The resolving power of a microscope is defined as the reciprocal of the distance between two
objects which can be just resolved when seen through the microscope.
1 2𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Resolving power = ∆𝑑 = 𝜆
Resolving power depends on
(1) wavelength, 𝜆
(2) Refractive index of the medium between the object and the objective
(3) have angle of the cone of light from one of the object 𝜃

 Resolving power of a Telescope:

The resolving power of a telescope is defined as the reciprocal of the smallest angular separation
between two distant objects whose image are seen separately.
1 𝑎
Resolving power = 𝑑𝜃 = 1.22𝜆
Resolving power depends on
(1) wavelength, 𝜆
(2) diameter of the objective, a.
MD. Noman Hossain, Assistant professor, Department of Physics, Imperial College of Engineering (Rajshahi University Affiliated)
Diffraction at a Circular aperture:
Let AB is a circular aperture of diameter, d. C is the center of the aperture, and A is the point of screen.
A plane wave front is incident on the circular aperture. The secondary wave travelling in the direction
CO comes to the focus at P. Therefore, P is the point of central maximum.

Now let the secondary waves travelling in a direction inclined at

an angle 𝜃 with the direction CP, and meet 𝑃1 . Let the distance
P𝑃 is x. The path difference between the light emitted from A
and B is BD.
From ∆ ABD, BD = d 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
If the path difference is equal to integral multiples of 𝜆 Then 𝑃1
will me minimum intensity (dark),
d 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = n 𝜆
𝜆
If the path difference is equal to odd multiples of Then 𝑃1 will
2
be bright,
𝜆
d 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (2n+1) 2

MD. Noman Hossain, Assistant professor, Department of Physics, Imperial College of Engineering (Rajshahi University Affiliated)
If 𝜃 is very very small Then, we also write
𝑥
𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑓

Now,
d 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = n 𝜆
or, d 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝜆 [putting n=1]
𝜆
or, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑑
𝑥 𝜆
or, 𝑓 = 𝑑
f𝜆
so, x = [ Theoretical value]
𝑑
f𝜆
Experimental value of , x = 1.22 𝑑

MD. Noman Hossain, Assistant professor, Department of Physics, Imperial College of Engineering (Rajshahi University Affiliated)