MODULATION TRANSFER FUNCTION

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WHAT IS A MODULATION TRANSFER FUNCTION?

“It is a measure of the transfer of modulation from the subject

to the image.” • Widely used measurement in imaging field

• Does a great job at quantifying image performance

Quote from: http://photo.net/learn/optics/mtf/

WHAT IS CONTRAST?

• Difference between colors

• Depends on 3 things:• Sensor quality• Illumination• Lens quality

WHAT IS RESOLUTION?

• “Imaging system’s ability to distinguish object detail”

• Measured in ‘line pairs’ per millimeter

• Image clarity vs. blurring

Quote from: http://www.edmundoptics.com/technical-resources-center/optics/modulation-transfer-function/

MODULATION TRANSFER FUNCTION REVISITED

Measurement of the ability to convey

CONTRAST while also maintaining a certain

RESOLUTION

HOW CAN IT BE MEASURED?

• Ideal for contrast measurements

• Best for systems with a rectangular aperture

• Best for systems with a circular aperture

• Helps test focusing ability

• Ideal test for resolution

WORKS CITED

• http://www.edmundoptics.com/technical-resources-center/optics/modulation-transfer-function/

• http://photo.net/learn/optics/mtf/