How do you calculate the resolving power of a microscope?

To calculate the resolving power of a microscope, use the formula: RP = λ/2NA.

The resolving power of a microscope refers to its ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. It is determined by the wavelength of light used and the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective lens. The smaller the wavelength and the larger the NA, the better the resolving power.

To calculate the resolving power, use the formula RP = λ/2NA, where RP is the resolving power, λ is the wavelength of light used, and NA is the numerical aperture of the objective lens. The result will be in units of distance, typically nanometers.

For example, if a microscope is using green light with a wavelength of 550 nm and has an objective lens with an NA of 0.95, the resolving power would be RP = 550/2(0.95) = 289 nm. This means that the microscope can distinguish between two objects that are at least 289 nm apart.

It is important to note that the resolving power is a theoretical limit and may not always be achievable in practice due to factors such as aberrations and diffraction. However, it is still a useful measure of a microscope's performance and can help in selecting the appropriate instrument for a given application.