Understanding the Airy Disk Equation: Lambda in Medium or Vacuum?

AI Thread Summary
The Airy disk equation, d = 1.22 lambda / NA, uses lambda to represent the wavelength of light in the medium through which it propagates. Immersion microscopes enhance resolution by utilizing a shorter wavelength achieved by placing water or oil between the specimen and the lens. This technique is also applied in modern integrated circuit lithography tools to improve resolution. However, using this method is less effective for telescopes. Understanding the medium's impact on wavelength is crucial for optimizing optical systems.
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hi

the airy disk equation is d= 1.22 lambda / NA
my question is:
lambda is the wavelength in medium or in vacuum?

thanks in advance
 
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Lambda is in whatever medium the light is propagating. Immersion microscopes use this fact to improve their resolution by shortening the wavelength by putting water or oil between the object being looked at and the lens. The newer generation of integrated circuit lithography tools also use water immersion to improve the resolution. Doesn't work very well for telescopes, however...
 

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