Observation, wavelength and resolution

[the4thamigo_uk]

Why are short wavelengths (of e.m. radiation say) required for observing the location of a small particle? Classically, I could imagine sending a wave train of light (or a photon) of different frequencies onto an atom in free space. Providing the electrons in the energy levels of the atom can absorb and re-emit those frequencies, then I should be able to locate the particle using a detector with the same precision whatever the wavelength of the incident photon?

So what is the underlying reason why the wavelength of the incident light must be of the same scale as the object?

 

[Rajini]

Do you know the relationship between the wavelength (of beam/ray that you use to probe the sample/particle etc) and resolution ? Resolution is limited by wavelength.
If not please find some information of the following:
1. Abbe criterion (it gives you some rough comparison of resolution in light, electron microscopes)
2. Scherzer resolution (may be you find some information)
But errors are unavoidable, so you often cannot go much into detail up to pm range.
Errors are Aberration,

 

[GRDixon]

I can recommend "The Feynman Lectures on Physics," Volume 2, Section 29-5 ("The electron microscope).

 

[Creator]

Imaging detail is a diffraction limited process...
Angular resolution is based on a fairly simple formula called the "Rayleigh criteria".
See... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angular_resolution

For a more pictorial explanation see : http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/raylei.html

Creator

 

[PJC01]

Observation, wavelength, and resolution are all crucial concepts in the field of science, particularly in the study of particles and atoms. Observation refers to the act of gathering information or data through the use of our senses or scientific instruments. Wavelength, on the other hand, refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave, and it is a fundamental property of electromagnetic radiation. Resolution, in this context, refers to the ability to distinguish or resolve two separate objects or features in a given system.

In order to understand why short wavelengths are required for observing the location of a small particle, we must first understand the nature of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter. According to classical physics, electromagnetic radiation behaves like a wave, and when it interacts with matter, it can be absorbed and re-emitted by the electrons in the atom. This process is known as scattering.

Now, imagine sending a wave train of light (or a photon) of different frequencies onto an atom in free space. If the electrons in the energy levels of the atom can absorb and re-emit those frequencies, then theoretically, we should be able to locate the particle using a detector with the same precision, regardless of the incident photon's wavelength.

However, in reality, this is not the case. The reason for this is due to the wave-particle duality of light, meaning that it can behave as both a wave and a particle. When we are dealing with small particles, such as atoms, the wave-like nature of light becomes more significant. This means that the wavelength of the incident light becomes a crucial factor in determining the accuracy of our observation.

The wavelength of the incident light must be on the same scale as the object we are trying to observe because of the phenomenon known as diffraction. Diffraction occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit that is comparable in size to its wavelength. In the case of light, this means that when we try to observe a small particle with a larger wavelength of light, the light waves will diffract around the particle, causing blurring and reducing the resolution of our observation.

In order to overcome this diffraction limit and achieve a higher resolution, we need to use shorter wavelengths, which are on the same scale as the object we are trying to observe. This allows the incident light to interact more directly with the particle, providing more precise information about its location.

In conclusion, the underlying reason why the wavelength of the incident light must be of