1st Edition

The Optical Transfer Function of Imaging Systems

By Thomas Williams Copyright 1999

    The Optical Transfer Function of Imaging Systems deals extensively with the theoretical concept of the optical transfer function (OTF), its measurement, and application to imaging devices. The OTF is a mathematical entity describing how well the subject is transferred into an image via the lens.

    The book focuses on the practical aspects of using and measuring the OTF. It presents the background physics necessary to understand and assess the performance of the great proliferation of electro-optical systems, including image intensifiers, video cameras, and thermal imagers.

    Assuming a senior undergraduate level of optics knowledge, the book is suitable for graduate courses in optics, electro-optics, and photographic science. In addition, it is a practical guide for systems designers who require a means of assessing and specifying the performance of imaging systems. It is also of interest to physicists and engineers working in all areas of imaging.

    List of abbreviations, List of symbols, 1 The performance of imaging systems, 2 An introduction to the OTF concept, its calculation and measurement, 3 A review of techniques for measuring the OTF/MTF of lens systems, 4 Measurement of the OTF/MTF of lens systems, 5 Test conditions and other special considerations relating to specific classes of optical system, 7 Electro-optical imaging devices and systems, 8 Factors affecting the accuracy of OTF measurement and methods of assessing accuracy, 9 OTF/MTF and image quality, 10 MTF of sampled imaging systems, 11 Veiling glare, 12 Diagnostic and other applications of MTF equipment, Appendix A Values for some useful functions, Appendix B Data on sources and detectors, including photographic materials, Appendix C Data for assessing the accuracy of MTF equipment, Appendix D Data for some standard test lenses, Appendix E Incoherent illumination of MTF test patterns, Bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Thomas Williams

    "A lot of thought has gone into the structure and contents … other books do not contain the practical content."
    -Professor Robert Brown, Sharp Laboratories Europe Ltd.

    "The practical approach of this book gives it a different, and in a sense complementary role, as compared to classical theoretical textbooks on the subject, and makes it a valuable resource to all those who are interested in specifying and assessing the performance of an imaging system."
    -E. Castelli, Il Nouvo Cimento B