Problem 26.49: Resolution of the eye, I.
Even if the lenses of our eyes functioned perfectly, our visionwould still be limited due to diffraction of light at thepupil.
Part A
Using Rayleigh's criterion, what is the smallest object a personcan see clearly at his near point of 22.5 cm with a pupil 2.25 mmin diameter and light of wavelength 498 nm ? (To get a reasonableestimate without having to go through complicated calculations,we'll ignore the effect of the fluid in the eye.)
Part B
Based upon your answer, does it seem that diffraction plays asignificant role in limiting our visual acuity?
