Question

1. What is the significance of the uncertainty principle for a diffraction limited imaging system?

Answer 1

The diffraction limit was the inspiration for Heisenberg’s quantum uncertainty principle . In fact, they can be deduced from each other . The diffraction limit sets the smallest achievable line width at half the wavelength

All attempts to observe the size and shape of objects are limited by the wavelength of the probe. Even the small wavelength of light prohibits exact precision. When extremely small wavelength probes as with an electron microscope are used, the system is disturbed, still limiting our knowledge, much as making an electrical measurement alters a circuit. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle asserts that this limit is fundamental and inescapable.