This tutorial introduces the theory and applications of MTF, used to specify the image quality achieved by an imaging system. It covers basic linear systems theory and the relationship between impulse response, resolution, MTF, OTF, PTF, and CTF. Practical measurement and testing issues are discussed.

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.

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.

This practical guide is a compendium of frequently asked questions (FAQs). The answers are provided in graphs, equations, or diagrams. An engineering approach is taken, the equations may be approximations, but the region of applicability is clearly stated. Facts, rules-of-thumb, and back-of-the-envelope equations are highlighted. This easy-to-read reference covers optical systems, detectors, cameras (visible and infrared), sampling effects, Moiré patterns, system performance, resolution, system testing, lasers and lidar, fiber optics, and data analysis.

Topics covered by this text include imaging, radiometry, source detectors and lasers, with a special emphasis on flux-transfer issues. The author takes a first-order approach so that students and professionals can quickly make the back-of-envelope calculations needed for initial setup of optical apparatus. The target is to help readers solve the practical problems frequently encountered by those new to the field of electro-optics. The text aims to enable readers to answer such questions as: where is the image, how big is it, how much light gets to the detectors, and how small an object is it possible to see?

This engineering tool provides over 200 time and cost saving rules of thumb--short cuts, tricks, and methods that optical communications veterans have developed through long years of trial and error. * DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork) rules * Information Transmission, fiber optics, and systems rules