Microscopy Resolution Limits

Calculate theoretical Abbe/Rayleigh lateral limits and axial Depth of Field.

Wavelength (λ) [nm] e.g., GFP excitation = 488nm

Numerical Aperture (NA)

Immersion Media (Refractive Index n)

Lateral Res. (Rayleigh Limit)

0 nm

XY Plane Limit

Depth of Field (Axial Res.)

0 nm

Z Plane Optical Section

Formulas:
Lateral (Rayleigh) = (1.22 * λ) / (2 * NA)
Depth of Field = (λ * n) / (NA²)