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Photonics Dictionary

modulated transfer function

The modulated transfer function (MTF) is a measure used in optical engineering and imaging science to describe the ability of an optical system to transfer the contrast of an object to an image. It quantifies the system's performance in terms of preserving contrast at various spatial frequencies.

Formally, the MTF is defined as the ratio of the modulation at the output of the system to the modulation at the input, as a function of spatial frequency. In other words, it describes how the amplitude of different spatial frequencies in the input signal is affected by the optical system.

The MTF is typically expressed as a function of spatial frequency, often measured in cycles per unit distance (e.g., cycles per millimeter). A high MTF value at a particular spatial frequency indicates that the system preserves contrast well for features of that size, while a low MTF value indicates poor contrast preservation.

MTF is a crucial parameter in the design and evaluation of optical systems, especially in fields such as photography, microscopy, and image processing. It helps engineers and designers assess the sharpness and resolution capabilities of optical systems and optimize their performance for specific applications.
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