Angular resolution

Angular resolution is using image-forming device to get small details of an object. This can increase the image resolution of the image. It is used in optical or radio telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and eyes.  In optics, it is used for light waves. In antenna theory, it is used for radio waves. In acoustics, it is used for sound waves. 

An optical system can have a high angular resolution. This means that the perceived angular distance, (or what the viewer thinks the angular distance is) or the actual angular distance between the objects is small.

θ is the amount of angular resolution. An angular resolution can be found from the Rayleigh criterion. 

 Telescopes and angular resolution 
NameImageAngular resolution (arc seconds)WavelengthTypeSiteYearGlobal mm-VLBI Array (successor to the Coordinated Millimeter VLBI Array)0.000012 (12 μas)radio (at 1.3 cm)very long baseline interferometry array of different radio telescopesa range of locations on Earth and in space2002 - Very Large Telescope/PIONIER50x50px0.001 (1 mas)light (1-2 micrometre)largest optical array of 4 reflecting telescopesParanal Observatory, Antofagasta Region, Chile2002/2010 -Hubble Space Telescope50x50px0.04light (near 500 nm)space telescopeEarth orbit1990 -James Webb Space Telescope50x50px0.1infrared (at 2000 nm)space telescopeSun–Earth L22022 -

 Related pages 
 Angular diameter
 Visual acuity

 References 

 Other websites 
 "Concepts and Formulas in Microscopy: Resolution" by Michael W. Davidson, Nikon MicroscopyU (website).

Category:Optics
Category:Angles