where

S = ∫∫ sin(px + qy)dx dy,     (3),

C = ∫∫ cos(px + qy)dx dy,     (4).

When, as in the application to rectangular or circular apertures, the form is symmetrical with respect to the axes both of x and y, S = 0, and C reduces to

C = ∫∫ cos px cos qy dx dy,     (5).

In the case of the circular aperture the distribution of light is of course symmetrical with respect to the focal point p = 0, q = 0; and C is a function of p and q only through √(p² + q²). It is thus sufficient to determine the intensity along the axis of p. Putting q = 0, we get

C = ∫∫ cos px dx dy = 2 ∫ +Rcos px √(R² − x²) dx,
−R

R being the radius of the aperture. This integral is the Bessel’s function of order unity, defined by

J1(z) = z πcos (z cos φ) sin² φ dφ     (6).
π 0

Thus, if x = R cos φ,