Frequency-Contrast Response Curve

Frequency-Contrast Response Curve

 

a function with which the sharpness characteristics of optical imaging systems and of the individual elements of such systems are evaluated. It is the Fourier transform of the line scattering function, which describes the nature of the blurring of an image of one thin line taken separately. It gives more complete information about the properties of an imaging system than does the resolving power because it characterizes the ability of the system to transfer adequately to the image details of any size from an object, and not merely the smallest.

Use of the frequency-contrast response curve has been of particular value in the development of aerial photographic surveying, space photography, and other specialized techniques of optical imaging. Since the 1970’s a variety of equipment has been produced industrially in several countries for the measurement of the frequency-contrast response curve of objective lenses and photosensitive emulsions. Computer programs have been used extensively to calculate frequency-contrast response curves, and theoretical studies have also been conducted.

REFERENCES

Perren, F. “Metody otsenki fotograficheskikh sistem.” Uspekhi fizicheskikh nauk, 1962, vol. 78, issue 2.
Dainty, J. C, and R. Shaw. Image Science: Principles, Analysis, and Evaluation of Picture-Imaging Processes. London-New York-San Francisco, 1974.
Frieser, H. Photographic Information Recording. London, 1975.