Background image of landing

Unrivalled
Education
Solutions for your
Family

Why does blue light offer better resolution than red?

Blue light provides superior resolution compared to red light due to its shorter wavelength, enabling more precise imaging.

In the field of physics, the resolution of optical imaging systems—such as microscopes, telescopes, and cameras—is often constrained by the phenomenon known as diffraction. This limitation is commonly referred to as the diffraction limit. The diffraction limit is directly influenced by the wavelength of the light utilized; specifically, shorter wavelengths correspond to smaller diffraction limits, which in turn allow for higher potential resolution.

Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light. In the visible spectrum, blue light typically has a wavelength ranging from approximately 450450 to 495495 nanometers, whereas red light has a wavelength between about 620620 and 750750 nanometers. This distinction means that when blue light is employed in an optical system, it can resolve finer details compared to red light.

This principle is applied in various scientific and technological contexts. For example, in microscopy, blue light is used to achieve higher-resolution imaging. Similarly, in astronomy, telescopes that operate in the blue or ultraviolet regions of the spectrum can potentially capture finer details in images of stars and galaxies.

However, it is crucial to recognize that while blue light can enhance resolution due to its shorter wavelength, it is also more prone to scattering than red light—a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering. This scattering can lead to images appearing blurred or hazy, particularly in situations where light travels through significant atmospheric layers or other scattering media. Consequently, although blue light has the potential for improved resolution, the optimal wavelength for imaging can vary based on numerous factors, including the specific characteristics of the imaging system and the properties of the medium through which the light travels.

Answered by: Dr. Thomas Walker
IB Physics Tutor
Medal Icon

100%

Globe Icon

Global

Crest Icon

97%

Professional Tutors

International Tuition

Independent School Entrance Success

All of our elite tutors are full-time professionals, with at least five years of tuition experience and over 5000 accrued teaching hours in their subject.

Based in Cambridge, with operations spanning the globe, we can provide our services to support your family anywhere.

Our families consistently gain offers from at least one of their target schools, including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Wycombe Abbey.

Medal Icon

100%

Professional Tutors

All of our elite tutors are full-time professionals, with at least five years of tuition experience and over 5000 accrued teaching hours in their subject.

Globe Icon

Global

International Tuition

Based in Cambridge, with operations spanning the globe, we can provide our services to support your family anywhere.

Crest Icon

97%

Independent School Entrance Success

Our families consistently gain offers from at least one of their target schools, including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Wycombe Abbey.

Book a free
30-minute consultation
session

At the Beyond Tutors we recognise that no two students are the same. 

That’s why we’ve transcended the traditional online tutoring model of cookie-cutter solutions to intricate educational problems. Instead, we devise a bespoke tutoring plan for each individual student, to support you on your path to academic success.

To help us understand your unique educational needs, we provide a free 30-minute consultation with one of our founding partners, so we can devise the tutoring plan that’s right for you.

To ensure we can best prepare for this consultation, we ask you to fill out the short form below.

Hire a Tutor

All the form fields are optional, but we ask you to provide as much information as possible so that we are in a better position to quickly meet your tutoring requirements.

Still have questions?
Let's get in touch