Point Spread Function (PSF), Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Ensquared Energy (EE) are important
performance indicators of optical systems for surveillance, imaging and target tracking applications. We report on the
development of a new measurement method which facilitates fast real time measurement of the two dimensional PSF
and related performance parameters of a MWIR optical module under room temperature as well as under extreme
temperature conditions. Our new measurement setup uses the law of reversibility of optical paths to capture a highly
resolved, magnified image of the PSF. By using of an easy add-on thermally insulating enclosure the optical module can
be exposed to and measured under both variable high and low temperatures (-50°C up to 90°C) without any external
impact on the measurement. Also line of sight and various off-axis measurements are possible. Common PSF and MTF
measurement methods need much more correction algorithms, whilst our method requires mainly a pinhole diameter
correction only and allows fast measurements of optical parameters under temperature as well as fast and easy
adjustment. Additionally comparison of the captured, highly resolved PSF with optical design data enables purposeful
theoretical investigation of occurring optical artifacts.
KEYWORDS: 3D vision, Manufacturing, Objectives, Tolerancing, 3D image processing, Modulation transfer functions, Monochromatic aberrations, Assembly tolerances, Optics manufacturing, Monte Carlo methods
There is a growing demand for specific highperformance objectives. More and more often, certain specialized applications demand a quality close to the theoretical limits and also to manufacturing feasibility. To get such a sophisticated lens, the knowhow of all the fields concerned is called for. Optics development finds more and more complex solutions, particularly through the use of efficient computers and complex software for optimization. In many cases, the imaging quality is "near the diffraction limit". Therefore, the demands on design, development of technology and also, of course, on manufacturing of the optical components are continually rising. The limits of feasibility are very often touched or even overstepped
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