Question
IQ Analyser Primus Software - What is the difference between MTF and MTF-f in relation to the
Answer
The main difference between MTF and MTF-f lies in the emphasis on the presentation: while MTF generally describes the modulation transfer function of an optical system, MTF-f explicitly highlights that this function is considered as a function of spatial frequency. In practice, both terms are often used interchangeably, with the context and specific application making the distinction clearer.
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
- Definition: The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) describes how well an optical system can transfer various spatial frequencies' contrasts from an object to an image. It indicates the system's ability to resolve details of different sizes.
- Function: It is typically presented as a function of spatial frequency and shows the loss of contrast (modulation) of an image compared to an ideal image.
- Representation: The MTF is represented as a curve that shows modulation (contrast) as a function of spatial frequency (line pairs per millimeter or cycles per millimeter).
MTF-f (MTF as a Function of Frequency)
- Definition: MTF-f refers to the Modulation Transfer Function, specifically presented as a function of spatial frequency. The suffix “-f” emphasizes the dependency of MTF on frequency.
- Function: Essentially, this is a specific view of the MTF that explicitly highlights the relationship between modulation and spatial frequency.
- Representation: MTF-f is usually presented in the same form as MTF, often as a curve showing the loss of contrast as a function of spatial frequency.
In simple terms, one can say MTFf describes how individual measurement points in the IQ Analyser Primus software are generated, while MTF represents the overall depiction of all these measurement points.