the diffraction limit of a lens cant really be circumvented optically, it’s a fundamental limit of light due to being waves. so some insane refractive index wont help.
Aye but light, being a wave, doesn’t travel at the same speed in every medium. In a high refractive index media the wavelengths of visible light would be shorter. Would this not reduce the effect of diffraction on them for normal-sized pupils?
The light diffracts before it reaches the lens so this wont help. Also, refraction doesnt change the wavelength of light, it just takes time to bounce and re-emit through the medium.
but elves are magical, so what if their eyes don’t care about the physical nature of light and just sorta convert it to magical pseudo-light when it contacts their tissue?
What if the refractive index of elvish eyes were somehow absurdly high? Paired with a very high resolution and sensitivity retina of course.
the diffraction limit of a lens cant really be circumvented optically, it’s a fundamental limit of light due to being waves. so some insane refractive index wont help.
Aye but light, being a wave, doesn’t travel at the same speed in every medium. In a high refractive index media the wavelengths of visible light would be shorter. Would this not reduce the effect of diffraction on them for normal-sized pupils?
The light diffracts before it reaches the lens so this wont help. Also, refraction doesnt change the wavelength of light, it just takes time to bounce and re-emit through the medium.
but elves are magical, so what if their eyes don’t care about the physical nature of light and just sorta convert it to magical pseudo-light when it contacts their tissue?
that’s not really relevant to the question at hand. “but magic” is clearly not an interesting answer when people are playing around with physics.