VLBI Baseline Microarcsecond Angular Resolution Check
Nominal lambda/baseline angular resolution compared to caller target; no synthesized beam, atmosphere/uv coverage or astrometric precision guarantee.
Description
VLBI Baseline Microarcsecond Angular Resolution Check: return nominal resolution meets target.
An interferometer's nominal angular resolution scales with wavelength divided by baseline. Comparing it with a target requires consistent angular units.
This tool returns nominal resolution meets target. Use the stated units and model convention when interpreting these fields.
When to use this tool
Use this tool when the supplied inputs match the specific operation described above and you need a repeatable result under its stated convention.
- Check the supported input and output contract against an existing calculation or observation.
- Use the complete example to confirm units, selector spelling and result interpretation.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter every field in the input table using the stated units and the exact supported selector spelling where applicable.
- Run the tool. Correct input errors before interpreting an output.
- Read the result fields below; use accompanying flags and the stated sign, boundary or model convention when interpreting a number.
Compute wavelengthM divided by baselineM, convert radians to microarcseconds using 206264806247.09636, and test whether that value is at most the caller's target.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| wavelengthM | Wavelength m. Meters. | Finite number; greater than zero |
| baselineM | Baseline m. Meters. | Finite number; greater than zero |
| callerTargetMicroarcsec | Caller target microarcsec. | Finite number; greater than zero |
| Output field | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| result | Object containing the following named result fields. |
| result.nominalResolutionMeetsTarget | Nominal resolution meets target flag under the exact conditions described above. |
{
"input": {
"wavelengthM": 0.000001,
"baselineM": 206264806247.09637,
"callerTargetMicroarcsec": 0.000001
},
"output": {
"result": {
"nominalResolutionMeetsTarget": true
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This diffraction-scale comparison does not model baseline projection, sampling, sensitivity or achieved astrometric precision.
- Every declared field is required and unexpected fields are rejected. Numeric inputs must be finite; input errors are distinct from a valid false result or an explicitly qualified output.
- Extremely large inputs and nonfinite or excessively large outputs are rejected. List positions reported by the tool use zero-based indices unless stated otherwise.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Check the underlying observations, units and conventions independently before using the result in a larger workflow. The tools listed below address nearby tasks; compare their inputs and scope before substituting one for this operation.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- speckle diffraction limit resolution check
The Rayleigh relation describes ideal circular-aperture angular resolution.
- aberration ellipse major axis calculator
Annual aberration traces an ideal ellipse whose shape depends on ecliptic latitude.