Physics A-Level
Airy pattern
What Airy pattern means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Airy pattern
Check what you remember
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Reference: AQA
The pattern produced when diffraction at the circular aperture spreads each point source.
Topics that use Airy pattern
- Advantages of large diameter telescopes (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Astronomical calculations
- Collecting power
- Quantum efficiency
- Radian
- Rayleigh criterion
- Resolution
- Angular measure
- Angular resolution
Using Airy pattern in the exam
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