Abstract

Resolution of shape of self-radiant line elements by objectives of Sonine types S_ν is stated quantitatively as the ratio R_s of length to width of a uniquely chosen contour of constant irradiance in the diffraction image. This contour passes through the point x_s of steepest slope of the irradiance H(x) along the length x of the geometrical image. Computations are included of the resolution factor R_s as a function of the half-length K (in Airy units) of line elements imaged by objectives of types S₀, S₁, and S₂. Type S₀ excels type S₁ (identical with the Airy type) for resolving shape. In turn, the apodized type S₂ is inferior to type S₁.

© 1964 Optical Society of America

Optical Measurement of Self-Radiant Line Elements by the Method of Steepest Slopes*

Harold Osterberg and Luther W. Smith
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(3) 406-410 (1964)

Length of Self-Radiant Lines by Use of a Critical Point in the Image*

Luther W. Smith and Harold Osterberg
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(5) 595-598 (1964)

Diffraction Images of Circular Self-Radiant Disks

Luther W. Smith and Harold Osterberg
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 51(4) 412-414 (1961)

Multipole Lines in Spectra of Elements from the Fifth Group

M. Hults and S. Mrozowski
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(7) 855-858 (1964)

Effect of Boundary Diffraction Wave in Coronagraph*

Kenro Miyamoto
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54(9) 1105-1108 (1964)