Resolving Power

I created this design to support my IB DP physics course. In the unit on wave phenomena, we discuss resovling power. The discussion of the Rayleigh criterion could be too abstract and dry if just discussed, so I wanted a simple way to show the effect in action that wasn't a simulation.




The object itself is very simple. I had some combination flashlights / laser pointers available, so I built a simple shape to press on those. The central chamber opens up to the end, with walls to create the slits. Probably usable straight off the printer, but I added a strip of masking tape on the end to diffuse the light and create a more even lighting effect.