# Implementing Rayleigh criterion method for finding the resolution of an optical system

I want to use the Rayleigh criterion to find the resolution of an optical system. I have two functions f1 = Sinc[x]^2 and f2 = Sinc[x-T]^2, T being the translation. I want to change the value of T until the first minimum of f2 coincides with the maximum of f1 (Rayleigh criterion). That being achieved, the value x and T should be returned.

Pseudocode:

• for x=100 translate T till the first min of f2 coincide with the peak of f1; print {x, T}
• repeat the same procedure for x=105 ... up to x=200.

So, what I would like to do is basically start the program and have a table with the values x and T.

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Welcome to Mathematica.SE! I think you would find it useful to review the documentation and basic tutorials. Mathematica uses square brackets for functions so your f1 and f2 definitions have the wrong syntax. Also, it is not good practice to use uppercase single letters to name expressions as they can clash with built-in functions. Try using lower case f instead. –  Verbeia Jan 16 '13 at 11:59
Just find the distance between the max and min ... –  belisarius Jan 16 '13 at 12:07
The Rayleigh criterion is for the first zero (not the first minimum) of f2 to coincide with the maximum of f1. –  Stephen Luttrell Jan 16 '13 at 13:01
Oops, I just noticed that you were using $sinc(x)^2$, in which case the first minimum and first zero are the same thing. –  Stephen Luttrell Jan 23 '13 at 17:12

You may do it the smart way just looking at the distance between max and min, but anyway this is the procedure for doing what you asked for

Maximize[Sinc[x - t /. (NMinimize[Sinc[t]^2, t][[2]])]^2, x]


{1., {x -> -3.14159}}

Edit

Plot[{Sinc[x]^2, Sinc[x - t /. (NMinimize[Sinc[t]^2, t][[2]])]^2}, {x, -10, 10}, Evaluated -> True]


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@Darwin Edit your question and provide all the relevant info –  belisarius Jan 16 '13 at 13:18
Hi, I have two functions Sinc[x1] and Sinc[x2-T], x100=1, x2 =200, T a real number; Pseudocode: for x=100 translate T till the first min of f2 coincide with peak of f1 print print {x1, T} repeat the same procedure for x=105 That would be all! Thanks in advance everyone –  Darwin Jan 16 '13 at 14:49