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Microscope Resolution Formula:
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Microscope resolution refers to the ability of a microscope to distinguish two closely spaced objects as separate entities. It is a fundamental parameter that determines the level of detail visible through a microscope.
The calculator uses the resolution formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that resolution improves (decreases) with shorter wavelengths and higher numerical apertures.
Details: Understanding microscope resolution is crucial for selecting appropriate microscopy equipment, optimizing imaging conditions, and interpreting microscopic images accurately.
Tips: Enter wavelength in nanometers and numerical aperture as a dimensionless value. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is numerical aperture (NA)?
A: Numerical aperture is a measure of the light-gathering ability of a microscope objective, determined by the refractive index of the medium and the half-angle of the maximum cone of light that can enter the objective.
Q2: How does wavelength affect resolution?
A: Shorter wavelengths provide better resolution. This is why electron microscopes (using electron waves) have much higher resolution than light microscopes.
Q3: What are typical NA values for microscope objectives?
A: Typical values range from 0.1 for low-power objectives to 1.4-1.6 for high-power oil immersion objectives.
Q4: Can resolution be better than the calculated value?
A: The formula represents the theoretical limit of resolution. In practice, factors like lens quality, alignment, and sample preparation may affect actual resolution.
Q5: How does immersion oil improve resolution?
A: Immersion oil has a higher refractive index than air, which increases the numerical aperture and thus improves resolution.