Airy Disk Calculator
Airy Disk
Calculate the angular resolution and Airy disk radius for a circular aperture, determining the diffraction limit of a telescope or camera lens.
Formula
Angular Resolution = 1.22 x lambda / D (radians); Airy Disk Radius = 1.22 x lambda x f / D; Dawes Limit = 116 / D(mm) arcseconds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Airy disk?
The Airy disk is the central bright spot in the diffraction pattern produced by a circular aperture. It represents the smallest point to which a perfect optical system can focus light.
What is the Dawes limit?
The Dawes limit is an empirical formula for the angular resolution of a telescope: 116 divided by the aperture in millimeters, giving the result in arcseconds. It is slightly more optimistic than the Rayleigh criterion.
How does aperture affect resolution?
Larger apertures produce smaller Airy disks and better angular resolution. Doubling the aperture diameter halves the minimum resolvable angle, allowing you to see finer details.
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