title: Sharpness limitations in the projection of thin lines by use of the Talbot experiment.
abstract: Studying the limitations of sharpness in self-images of the Talbot effect leads us to abandon the use of the paraxial assumption. In this respect, we will clarify the self-image concept and show experimentally and theoretically the influence of "nonparaxial effects" on the self-image. The boundary between paraxial and nonparaxial scalar theory is also clarified in this context. The Rayleigh criterion in aberration diffraction theory is adapted for explicit estimations of this boundary and the maximum sharpness of lines projected by use of the Talbot effect.
authors.affiliation: Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales, 29 rue de la division Leclerc, 92322 Châtillon Cedex, France. edimambro@aol.com
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: di Mambro
authors.forename: Riad
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haïdar
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Guérineau
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Primot