technoguy

well, Optical resolution is the ability of a system to distinguish, detect, and/or record physical details by electromagnetic means. The system may be imaging (e.g., a camera) or non-imaging (e.g. a quad-cell laser detector). The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from Gamma rays through the visible spectrum through the Radio waves spectrum. Different methods are used for guiding the electromagnetic energy, including lenses and mirrors, and these are gathered under the heading "optics".A minimal optical system consists of a lens and sensor; the eye is the basic system. A more complex system could consist of transmission, recording, analysis, and display systems. A complete analysis would include the atmosphere as part of the system. Each of these contributes to system resolution.