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)