Spectral resolution
The spectral resolution of a spectrograph, or, more generally, of a frequency spectrum, is a measure of its ability to resolve features in the electromagnetic spectrum. It is usually denoted by , and is closely related to the resolving power of the spectrograph, defined as
Doppler effect[edit]
The spectral resolution can also be expressed in terms of physical quantities, such as velocity; then it describes the difference between velocities that can be distinguished through the Doppler effect. Then, the resolution is and the resolving power is
IUPAC definition[edit]
IUPAC defines resolution in optical spectroscopy as the minimum wavenumber, wavelength or frequency difference between two lines in a spectrum that can be distinguished.[2] Resolving power, R, is given by the transition wavenumber, wavelength or frequency, divided by the resolution.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ - CRIRES Instrument page at ESO
- ^ IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). Online corrected version: (2006–) "resolution in optical spectroscopy". doi:10.1351/goldbook.R05319
- ^ IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). Online corrected version: (2006–) "resolving power, R, in optical spectroscopy". doi:10.1351/goldbook.R05322
Further reading[edit]
- Kim Quijano, J., et al. (2003), STIS Instrument Handbook, Version 7.0, (Baltimore: STScI)
- Frank L. Pedrotti, S.J. (2007), Introduction to optics, 3rd version, (San Francisco)