Measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a camera lens

  • Aline Vernier
  • , Baptiste Perrin
  • , Thierry Avignon
  • , Jean Augereau
  • , Lionel Jacubowiez

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An accurate characterization of optical elements is one of the pivotal skills to be learnt in the context of undergraduate optics lab work or that of continuing education. We will show an experimental apparatus designed to measure the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of a camera lens. The educational scope of this apparatus ranges from the study of the aberrations of the lens and its suitability for use with a given sensor, to the design of the test bench itself. A first, purely visual observation allows the trainees to single-out the aberrations exhibited by an objective. The presence of the spherical and chromatic aberrations on the axis of the objective is thus identified, and a first estimate of the cut-off frequency of this objective can be given. There, the importance of the geometrical extent of the source and the impact of the optical elements of the test bench on the measurement can also be assessed. The second part of the experiment makes use of a CMOS camera to measure the Linear Spread Function (LSF) of the camera lens and the MTF is then retrieved by Fourier transform. The experimental setup consists of a fine slit as a source, a collimator, the studied objective exhibiting conspicuous aberrations and a microscope objective to re-image the LSF either for direct observation with an eye-piece or for analysis with the camera. The latter is performed with a home-developed Matlab software.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducation and Training in Optics and Photonics
Subtitle of host publicationETOP 2015
EditorsEric Cormier, Laurent Sarger
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600287
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventEducation and Training in Optics and Photonics, ETOP 2015 - Bordeaux, France
Duration: 29 Jun 20152 Jul 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9793
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceEducation and Training in Optics and Photonics, ETOP 2015
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityBordeaux
Period29/06/152/07/15

Keywords

  • Line Spread Function
  • Modulation Transfer Function
  • characterization of optical elements
  • cut-off frequency and sampling frequency
  • optical test bench for aberration measurements

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