Image Science, a reputable company in the field of optical testing, is now in its 27th year of business. It was established in 1991, and since then, they have offered a wide array of optical test equipment for MTF Testing and MTF Measurement.

Before we begin talking about Image Science’s complete line of MTF testing benches, let’s first delve into the entire process of MTF testing and fully understanding what it is about. Without further ado, let’s begin with the question "what is MTF testing?"

What is MTF testing?

MTF, also known as Modular Transfer Function, the curve is considered as one of the most comprehensive forms of the resolution performance in imaging lens. These are utilized to compare the resolution of one lens to another lens. There are several commercial test benches that are readily available which will allow for the characterization of one's lenses, that is within a 3D coordinate system.

To give you an overview of how this process is done, an operator will use an MTF test simply by passing what is known as an impulse signal through the lens. This impulse signal typically comes in a form of light that happens from a single point source against a dark background. It is crucial that the operator is cautious when doing this process because it highly regards the location of the image, as well as its source. Furthermore, when talking about impulse responses, these are used to determine a kind of response in relation to any spatial frequency up to the highest and resolvable sampled frequency.

Keep in mind that the MTF testing environment is very controlled. As a result, all of the measurements and findings obtained in this environment are very descriptive of the lens' performance. In addition, keep in mind that other external factors, including fall off and stray light, are not taken into account in the specifications of the system-level performance. It is plausible that the actual achievable resolution may be far less than what the MTF curve is suggesting.

With MTF testing and MTF measurement, as well as other performance-related parameters, you are now able to measure several optical parameters including the following:

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Absolute Transmission

Distortion

Effective Focal Length (EFL)

Chromatic Aberration

Phase Transfer Function (PTF)

Field Curvature

Encircled Energy and Ensquared Energy

Flange Focal Length (FFL)

Vignetting

Astigmatism

Field of View (FOV)

There are several optical testing applications that are configured by Image Science MTF benches. You can read more about it on our website:

Liquid Lens

Augmented Reality Image Waveguide System

Large Aperture MTF system with rotating optical breadboard

SWIR Lens MTF Test System

Cinematography Lenses Focus Setting

Anamorphic Lenses

Cinematography Lenses

If you want to learn more about what we can offer in terms of MTF testing and MTF measurement, you can call us at (+44) 01865-400867. Alternatively, you can send us an email at [email protected] or visit our website at www.image-science.com.