Modulation transfer function measurement technique for small-pixel detectors

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Detector Characterization
• Image Quality Assessment

Background:

• Accurate characterization of large-format, small-pixel detectors is crucial for advanced imaging systems.
• Traditional modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement methods using bar or sine wave targets can be complex and require deconvolution.
• There is a need for efficient and reliable MTF measurement techniques for novel detector technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel MTF measurement technique for large-format, small-pixel detectors.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of using a volume interference grating as a test target.
• To obtain high-confidence MTF results at high spatial frequencies.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented an MTF measurement technique utilizing a volume interference grating.
• Illuminated the detector under test with a high-contrast, large-area, sinusoidal intensity distribution.
• Acquired data from a 6.8-microm-pixel CCD at several visible light wavelengths.
• Derived pixel response functions from the obtained MTF results.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-confidence modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements near 200 cycles/mm.
• Demonstrated the suitability of the volume interference grating for detector characterization.
• Successfully obtained MTF results without the need for deconvolution of imaging system characteristics.
• Derived pixel response functions from the MTF data.

Conclusions:

• The volume interference grating technique is a viable and effective method for MTF measurement of large-format, small-pixel detectors.
• This technique simplifies the measurement process and provides accurate results at high spatial frequencies.
• The derived pixel response functions offer valuable insights into detector performance.