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Diffraction Trials
This is also the core of Abbe’s theory
of microscope image formation. His
theory, based on the wave characteristics
of light, shows that the
maximum resolution is determined
by half the wavelength of the light
used, divided by half the numerical
aperture.
Abbe’s theory of image formation
and resolution limits was rejected by
many biologists and mainly by microscopists
in England, who were too
biased by the old microscopy technique
of using strongly magnifying
eyepieces, a method known as empty
magnification.
Finally, Abbe was able to prove his
theory with a system of experiments
he first demonstrated using the ZEISS
Microscope VII. Robert Koch used
the same Microscope VII for his discovery
of the tuberculosis bacterium.
Innovation 15, Carl Zeiss AG, 2005
Microscope stand VII. Microscope stand I.
Cover page of brochure on
the diffraction apparatus.
Abbe’s illumination apparatus.
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