Rayleigh Criterion and Lens Resolution

The simulation demonstrates how diffraction limits the ability of a lens to distinguish closely spaced points. By rendering the Airy disc formed by a circular aperture, it illustrates Rayleigh’s criterion—the point at which two sources are just resolvable.

Students can step through the process using numbered buttons, toggle the display of secondary wavelets, and switch on white‑light illumination. A side panel shows the intensity profile of the Airy pattern, letting learners compare the theoretical limit with the simulated image.

Through interactive exploration, students grasp the relationship between aperture size, wavelength, and resolving power, reinforcing concepts in wave optics and practical limits of optical instruments.