Abstract
A simple model is proposed in order to evaluate the complex amplitude point spread function (intensity and phase) of a microscope objective. The model is based on the Fresnel diffraction theory and takes also into account the possible optical aberrations. Experimental evaluation of this amplitude point spread function has been carried out by using a holographic set-up and 66 nanometers gold spheres as punctual objects. The measured values are then compared with the theoretical predicted model.