Summary Bessel functions of first kind 0, 1, 2
Bessel functions of the first kind, α = 0, 1, and 2

Hecht4 Figure 10.23 Airy disk

  • Resolution

    • The following is from www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/diffraction-photography.htm

    Airy Disk 3-D Visualization
    airy disk with rings       3D view of airy disk

    When the diameter of the airy disk's central peak becomes large relative to the pixel size in the camera (or maximum tolerable circle of confusion), it begins to have a visual impact on the image.  Alternatively, if two airy disks become any closer than half their width they are also no longer resolvable (Rayleigh criterion).

    headlights resolution example
    Airy disks resolved       Airy disks not resolved
    Barely Resolved No Longer Resolved

    depiction of angular resolution



    Mural on TNR building at UWSP
    Giant mural at UWSP composed of thousands of geometrically patterned, one inch tiles. The mural project was overseen by Art Professor Richard C. Schneider and completed with the help of numerous students over the period between 1977 and 1982. The limit of resolution of the human eye allows the tiles to merge into a single image when viewed from afar.