The Three Primary Parameters of Imaging Systems and Detective Quantum Efficiency (D.Q.E.)

Abstract

A method of analyzing Imaging Sensors (independent of type of sensor, electro-optic (EO), photographic, infrared etc.) involving the concepts of Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Modulation Contrast, Resolution, Target Response Function (as related to Modulation Transfer, Function (MTF) and other system and operational parameters, is presented. Equations are derived for predicting resolution as a function of object-background modulation contrast, exposure (or irradiance), and wavelength, from Detector-Display Characteristic Curve, Optical Transfer Function (or Spread Function), RMS Noise Characteristics, Path Radiance, Veiling Glare, etc. Detection and Resolution Range equations are also derived. It is recommended that the approach outlined in this report be taken when comparing sensor systems of different types.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0766441

Entities

People

  • Paul L. Pryor

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Computer Programs
  • Contrast
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Equations
  • Hard Copy
  • Identification
  • Images
  • Modulation
  • Optics
  • Photography
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Radiance
  • Radiation
  • Recognition
  • Transfer Functions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Computing