diffraction-limited Said of an optical system that meets the Rayleigh criterion, or, put another way, that can bring light to a focus at the theoretical minimum of the Airy disk. To be diffraction-limited there must be no more than ¼ wavelength of light between wavefronts at the focal point. Modern optical systems can exceed this theoretical design limit, but it remains a standard. Related category OPTICS AND OPTICAL PHENOMENA Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |