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34. Wave Optics
Diffraction
Problem 39
Textbook Question
Two satellites at an altitude of 1200 km are separated by 28 km. If they broadcast 3.6 cm microwaves, what minimum receiving-dish diameter is needed to resolve (by Rayleigh’s criterion) the two transmissions?

1
Understand the problem: The question involves resolving two sources of electromagnetic waves (microwaves) using Rayleigh's criterion. Rayleigh's criterion states that the minimum angular resolution θ is given by θ = 1.22 * (λ / D), where λ is the wavelength of the wave, and D is the diameter of the receiving dish. The goal is to find the minimum diameter D required to resolve the two sources.
Convert the given values into consistent units: The wavelength λ is given as 3.6 cm, which should be converted to meters (λ = 0.036 m). The separation between the satellites is 28 km (28,000 m), and the altitude of the satellites is 1200 km (1,200,000 m).
Calculate the angular separation θ between the two satellites: Using the small-angle approximation, θ ≈ s / d, where s is the separation between the satellites (28,000 m) and d is the distance from the observer to the satellites (1,200,000 m). Substitute these values to find θ.
Rearrange Rayleigh's criterion formula to solve for the diameter D: From θ = 1.22 * (λ / D), rearrange to get D = 1.22 * (λ / θ). Substitute the values of λ and θ into this formula.
Perform the calculation to determine the minimum diameter D of the receiving dish. Ensure that all units are consistent and the result is expressed in meters.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rayleigh's Criterion
Rayleigh's criterion is a formula used to determine the minimum angular resolution of an optical system, such as a telescope or antenna. It states that two point sources are resolvable when the central maximum of one diffraction pattern coincides with the first minimum of another. This criterion is crucial for understanding how closely spaced objects can be distinguished based on the wavelength of the signal and the diameter of the receiving dish.
Diffraction Limit
The diffraction limit refers to the fundamental limit on the resolution of an imaging system due to the wave nature of light or other electromagnetic waves. It is influenced by the wavelength of the signal and the aperture size of the receiving dish. A larger dish can collect more waves and reduce the effects of diffraction, allowing for better resolution of closely spaced signals.
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Diffraction
Antenna Gain
Antenna gain is a measure of how well an antenna converts input power into radio waves in a specified direction compared to a standard antenna. It is important for understanding how effectively a receiving dish can capture signals from satellites. Higher gain antennas can focus on narrower beams, improving the ability to resolve signals from closely spaced sources, which is essential in this scenario.
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Example 2
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Related Practice
Multiple Choice
A light is used to illuminate a diffraction grating with . What is the angle, measured from the central maximum, to the m=3 bright fringe?
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