Resolving power: A lens is designed to work in the visible, near-infrared, and near-ultraviolet. The best resolution of this lens from a diffraction standpoint is
A) the same for all wavelengths.
B) in the near-ultraviolet.
C) in the visible.
D) in the near-infrared.
E) indeterminate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resolving power of a lens, from a diffraction standpoint, improves with shorter wavelengths. Therefore, the best resolution would be in the near-ultraviolet, where the wavelength is shorter compared to the visible and near-infrared spectrum.

Resolving Power: a Lens Is Designed to Work in the Visible