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resolving power

Classically, two point objects are considered resolved when the centers of their diffraction disks in the image are separated by at least one disk diameter. This leads to a theoretical minimum angular separation for objects at a distance: a = (1.22)(lambda)/D. Resolving power of a lens increases with increasing optical aperture. Systems vary enormously in the closeness with which their actual resolving power approaches this diffraction-controlled ultimate limit.

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