Hacker News Reader

What about pixel size compared to light wavelength?

If my maths is right, 7.4mm sensor side divided by 9,150 pixels is about 800nm size. Visible light is 400-700nm. And presumably not all of the pixel is actually light-sensitive.

Is this a valid comparison though? I’m not good at quantum...

View on HN

The Rayleigh criterion above is exactly what is used to answer the question you're asking :) it tells you what size objects you can resolve with a given wavelength of light, which if you think about it in a different manner also tells you what the smallest useful pixel size you can have is. Two smaller pixels next to one another would be able to distinguish no more information than a combined one.

Actually, that's not true. However, going beyond requires deconvolution of the wavelength-scaling diffraction pattern, so it's only practical if you have narrowband radiation (stops working at 10~20% FWHM bandwidth).

Suitable sources include monochromatic LEDs, most lasers, and some gas discharge lamps (notably low pressure sodium).

Reply on news.ycombinator.com